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Fred Miller

WHY Do People Fear Public Speaking?

Updated: Jan 28


Fear of Public Speaking

Why Not have a Fear of Public Speaking!

Is my usual first response. Think about it. Most of our conversations are one-on-one.

  • Many are through phones where we don’t see the other person.

  • Increasingly, discussions are conducted by text and email where we don’t see or hear the other individual.


It’s easy to understand that standing in front of people and giving a speech takes many out of their comfort zones. That’s why it’s Uncomfortable. Good! Getting out of our comfort zones makes them larger!


There are other reasons we Fear Public Speaking.

  • If you don’t know your topic well, really well!

    • Don’t “Fake it till you make it.”

    • You will make a fool of yourself and will fear speaking for a long, long time.

  • If you don’t know the structure of a presentation.

  • If you haven’t practiced.

    • Practicing is not optional!

    • I coach people for delivering local TED Talks and the rule of thumb for practicing is: “One hour of preparation for each minute of presentation.”

  • ‘Head Trash’ such as: “I don’t have anything to talk about that would be of interest to anyone.”

    • Nonsense! 

    • You have experiences and knowledge others will love to hear and benefit from.

    • When did you face adversity, rejection, or failure and how did you handle it?

      • What did you learn from the experience?

      • What will you do different next time something similar occurs?

  • The “Imposter Syndrome.”

    • “I should not be in this leadership / speaker position.”

    • “There are people in the audience with far more knowledge and experience than I have.”

    • “Some here have forgotten more than I know.”

    • “They will be checking their watches, reading emails, and struggling to not get up and walk out on my talk.”

    • Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities!”

    • You are there because you deserve to be in that place at that time.

    • You have a great deal to offer.


Bottom Line: For most of us it is normal to Fear Public Speaking. Face the Fear and do it anyway! Set a goal to conquer that fear and discover how powerful it is to present with – NO SWEAT!

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Pausing is a key component of presenting.

About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books,“NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and“NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”


Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, andPresentation Skills.


They do this because they know:"Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities."


They also know:We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.

He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!


Services:

  • Keynote Speaker

  • Workshop Facilitator

  • Breakout Sessions

  • Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching


Subscribe to my YouTube ChannelPodcast Channel, and connect with me on LinkedIn and Facebook.




If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this post or other posts please contact me: Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com.


Thank  you for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated!


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