Public Speaking Anxiety

Everyone knows someone who has a public speaking anxiety. As a matter of fact, most of us have probably experienced some public speaking anxiety in the past.

If you suffer from public speaking anxiety there is good news – you are supposed to have some fears of public speaking.

Even famous performers like Barbara Streisand and actor Laurence Olivier suffered from stage fright. It is a positive energy force that pushes actors, athletes and politicians. Everyone experiences the butterflies in the stomach. You should not aim to kill the butterflies!

Most public speaking anxiety that I’ve witnessed in my life is not some innate or deeply rooted psychological issue. Instead, the public speaking anxiety comes from a lack of preparation. Most people simply don’t put in the time or effort needed to deliver a presentation. They develop anxiety because they know that the audience can detect their lack of preparation and that is embarrassing.

If you follow the 80/20 principle, you can eliminate 80% of public speaking anxiety with adequate preparation and rehearsal.

As with other anxieties, a common remedy is breathing. Most people stand up to a lectern and start speaking and actually forget to breathe! With short breaths, the oxygen to their brain plummets and you have just set the stage for public speaking anxiety. Consciously take deep breaths.