I asked what’s the difference between speaking to one person and one hundred? Then I simply let go and focus on the message I’m trying to deliver. Take a little time to be prepared.
Plus one hard lesson from a professor years ago: “Only speak to what you know and do not be afraid to say ‘I’m not sure about that.’”
With time I found it really is the same as speaking to one person, only you see the full range of reactions all at once. Some get really engaged. Some may wander off or even fall asleep (yes, this has happened to me, lol).
That doesn’t all really matter though. I don’t always know where they’re coming from (they’d hardly slept for days). That’s okay.
All I know is the material I’m asked to present, and it’s up to them to take it or leave it as they will. If I’m asked to speak, then I have something of value that may be of use to others.
I have dealt with the same fear throughout life. I’m not sure how to get over it initially, but I do know that with repetition and practice it becomes easier. Once you are done next Wednesday make sure you reflect on how it wasn’t as bad as you made it out to be in your head… And keep that memory for next time! (I use the same trick when I work myself up about needles or blood draws at the doctor. They’re NEVER as bad as I anticipate. In fact, the anxiety I give myself prior is always way worse than the actual thing!)
Thank you! I will look into toastmasters!
One thing that I keep thinking about is that if I am strong enough to work on my sobriety (23 months alcohol free and 31 months clean from cocaine) I have what it takes to work on public speaking!
Thank you that is a really good point. My mind exaggerates the situation which build on my fear.
I fantasise that is going to be terrible but it is always not as bad as I thought. I will show my mind with practice that it is wrong.
Thank you so much for the advice! It is true what is the difference to speaking for 1 or to 100?
My focus should be on the content and on the delivering not on anything else as the content and the delivery are the only thing I have control. I have no control over the reaction of the audience.
Lots of helpful and practical tips here. I would add that confidence is key and that comes with experience - think of an athlete training and getting fit.
Breathe deep, smile and go for it! If there’s a hitch it shows you’re human and that’s OK.
Hi, just want to say that everything went well on Wednesday and that presenting was much smoother than I thought it is so interesting how this fear is so irrational. I will remember this next time (two weeks from now)
I was prepared and knew was I was doing and got positive feedback which was really nice.
