But I went from that to winning public speaking awards and trophies and teaching others how to do the same. The trick to overcoming public speaking fears is to recognize that it will take some practice, but it has to be the right kind of practice. You also need to understand that whatever fears you have exist only in your head and not at all in reality. Start by practicing in front of a mirror. Then practice some more. As you practice make sure to greatly exaggerate your hand movements, voice inflection, intonation and your smile and posture. You will not, and should not, replicate such theatrics before an audience, but this technique will remind you and allow you to efficiently use these gestures in a toned down version, which is what you want. Then practice before a loved one.
When I first did this, I was single, and had to practice before a mirror and later a friend. You see, when you do something different or challenging your brain creates new neuropaths and the more you do it the stronger these paths get, and the easier the task becomes. So practice before a mirror, then family and friends or a neighbor and do this as many times as possible. Something very important to remember while you practice is to focus on yourself. I used to think of a space inside my stomach to keep the focus inside and not on the public's gaze. This way you'll keep control, but again, it takes practice and the creation and strengthening of those public speaking neuropaths. Right before you give a practice presentation or speech, think of a time or an incident when you were in control, when you had power. I would always tell myself, “I'm a good public speaker, I've won awards and had people falling off their chairs laughing.”
This mind trick will increase your confidence level right before you get on stage or walk up to the lectern, but do it both while you practice and when the real thing comes. Another trick to conquer the fear of public speaking is this; one does not become nervous when speaking in front of people if you know your subject well. You have to know what you're talking about. So whatever the subject-ants, Columbus, WWII or football, become familiar with it. Do all these things and you will conquer the fear of public speaking. In closing there is one more weapon readily available to conquer and forever eliminate this fear. Many years ago a friend introduced me to the local Toastmasters club. It is a very affordable and practical way to not only conquer but exceed in the public speaking arena. You'll also learn some leadership skills, make some great friends and laugh lot. You'll be able to give presentations before a sympathetic crowd also trying to get over the fear of public speaking or working on sharpening their skills.
