How would you rate your fear of speaking? Do you dread getting up in front of a group to make a presentation? Do you have trouble sleeping the night before you are scheduled to speak to a group? Are you filled with anxiety the last 30 minutes before you are introduced to speak? If you answered, “yes,” to any of the above questions, you’re not alone. Public speaking is dreaded by millions of people around the world. Approximately 75% of the population has some level of stage fright or fear of speaking in public. It’s at the top of the list when people are asked to rank their greatest fears. Think about that! Speaking in public is a greater fear than the fear of death, which comes in at number two- we’re talking about some serious fear!

Over the past twenty-five years as an executive coach, I have worked with dozens of clients who have a significant fear of speaking. Here are just a few fears they’ve expressed:

• I mostly fear the questions and I’m afraid I’ll appear like I’m under-qualified to present.
• My biggest fear is totally losing track of where I am in the presentation and it will be obvious to everyone.
• My greatest fear is looking like an idiot who doesn’t know what I’m talking about!
• I tend to get too wordy and detailed. I’m afraid I’ll lose their interest and they’ll be bored.
• My face turns red and my voice gets shaky.
• I hate it when my mouth dries up- cottonmouth.
• I’m always afraid I might faint.
• I get sweaty and my stomach starts grumbling. I don’t want people looking at me in that condition which only causes more stress.

Control Your Nervousness

The term “glossophobia” is relatively unknown to most of us. It’s a fancy word for speaker anxiety. Wikipedia describes it as an intense anxiety just before or simply at the thought of having to verbally present to a group. It goes on to explain that people with glossophobia experience “physical distress, nausea or feeling of panic in such circumstances.”

Try Taking Deep Breaths

The power of taking deep breaths at the first sign of anxiety is real. Take nice, slow long breaths in through your nose, hold it and slowly exhale through your mouth. Do this several times while focusing on your breathing. This is a technique that many of my clients have found to be instantly helpful. It’s also such a subtle technique that you won’t draw attention to yourself while you’re doing it! It can slow your racing heart, calm your nerves and prevent your mind from swimming with negative self-talk.

Channel Your Energy

Accept the fact that feeling some increased tension is perfectly normal. In fact, view it positively. The increased energy will allow you to be more passionate about your topic. You may feel an adrenaline rush just like winning athletes feel as they cross the finish line… first! Redirect the physiological symptoms into an exciting delivery through strong vocal projection, natural, animated gestures and an expressive face. Your excitement will be contagious to your audience.

Clear Your Mind

Even successful, highly paid professional speakers feel anxiety right before going on stage.

Take a short walk before going on stage. This could be a simple walk around the building before heading inside to perform. It could be a short walk down the hall and back before entering the ballroom or conference room.

Listen to your favorite music. Speakers often rely on their portable music devices to listen to music that inspires them, relaxes them or creates just the right mindset for delivering their best presentation possible.

Visualize success. Winning athletes, actors, orators and singers share the practice of visualization. Picture yourself-actually see yourself-standing in front of your audience. See how they are hanging on every word that you speak. Notice their facial expressions as they respond to all your main points. Replace any negative thoughts with only thoughts and visual pictures of your best presentation ever!