Comments on: The three causes of public speaking fear (and what you can do about them)

By: Michael Takeet

Michael Takeet — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:27:06 +0000

Hey, thanks a lot for this analysis. It is exactly as you discussed. After all , all the listeners can not be satisfied and if one makes mistake, which is not abnormal anyway, you are not going to be killed.

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:58:35 +0000

Hi Ankur

You are not alone. And you’re totally normal. So many people suffer from this problem. Remember that having some nervousness is useful – it motivates you to put the work into preparing your presentation.

You can learn to manage your nervousness into two ways:

1. Start practicing speaking up and/or presenting. This could be just in meetings at work, or when you’re socialising with friends. Or you could join a club like Toastmasters.

2. Learn how to manage your thoughts – there are a number of posts on my blog that can help you with this.

Go well
Olivia

By: Ankur Vishwakarma

Ankur Vishwakarma — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:14:26 +0000

I think i have a problem of Old brain nervousness…

By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 10 May 2011 09:35:29 +0000

Hi Olivia,
Wanted to share what worked for us at a workshop. First we got participants into groups exploring what their worst thoughts and scenarios were around public speaking. Then we put the Fears on a flip chart to show how we are more alike then less alike in our fears. Next we created a 2-3 minute presentation opportunity for each participant. At the end of each presentation, we asked them what their worst fear was, and had they lived it? 95 % said no, of the few who did we asked how they experienced it and all participants realized they not only survived it but reality was not nearly as bad as their thoughts!

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 20:44:26 +0000

Hi Missy
Thank you for leaving a comment. Well done for deciding to do something about your fear and working on it. Although your fear may not entirely go away, you can reduce it.
Go well.
Olivia

By: Missy

Missy — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 18:52:25 +0000

Hello, I feel the same way as Jaya and have tried so hard to overcome my nervousness when it comes to speaking in front of others. To advance in my career, it’s very important to be a good communicator.

No matter how much materials and practices I did, when the actually time to speak, I found my mind kept going back to the same place and then get nervous again. This is very frustrating to me.

I will check your suggestion links above and continue to work hard at improving myself.

Thank you!

Missy

By: docspike

docspike — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 18:57:56 +0000

loved reading this….great analysis of the fears and their biological correlates….

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:43:49 +0000

Hi Roger

Here’s the link to the post:

http://www.speakingaboutpresenting.com/design/words-on-your-slides/

The post is not about the learning zone, but I included a diagram of the learning to illustrate what I was saying in point no: 8.

All the best
Olivia

By: Master the Inner Game of Presenting

Master the Inner Game of Presenting — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:31:06 +0000

[...] That implies the absence of fear. That’s unrealistic because of the nature of presenting and public speaking. It is inherently a stressful and risky activity. You’re on show, some people may judge you. You have good reason to be nervous. [...]

By: Roger Close

Roger Close — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:02:39 +0000

Hi Olivia,

Thankyou kindly for the very logical tips. I can’t wait to put them into practice. I will let you know how they go.

Can you please send me the link on ‘learning zone’ as I can’t seem to find it.

Warm Regards
Roger