Which of the following is most likely to cause someone to avoid public speaking altogether

1. Career development
2. How To Overcome a Fear of Public Speaking

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated February 18, 2021 | Published December 12, 2019

Updated February 18, 2021

Published December 12, 2019

As you advance in the professional world, you may be asked or even required to speak publicly about your work. It is essential that you present yourself in the best way possible without letting the effects of fear overtake you. The fear of public speaking is common and sometimes crippling, but there are steps you can take to understand and overcome your fear.

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In this article, we will discuss what the fear of public speaking is, the causes and effects of it and tips to help you overcome your fear of public speaking.

What is the fear of public speaking?

The fear of public speaking, also known as speech anxiety, is characterized by the performance anxiety an individual feels when they must perform an oral presentation in front of an audience. Speech anxiety can range from an average level of nervousness to debilitating panic and paralyzing fear, which is the extreme fear known as glossophobia. Some people with speech anxiety may avoid public speaking altogether. Others will struggle through their speeches with shaky voices and sweaty palms.

What causes a fear of public speaking?

Many people are unaware of the underlying causes of their speech anxiety. There are several factors that may be involved and each individual’s causes and experience with this fear may be different. Here are the most widely identified causes for the fear of public speaking:

Self-consciousness in front of large audiences

Reminder: If you can speak to a small group of people, you will likely be able to speak to a large group of people.

Fear of judgment

Reminder: Your thoughts of yourself may be worse than the audience's thoughts of you. 

Fear of appearing nervous

Reminder: Even experts in public speaking get nervous. The audience is likely to empathize with your nervousness rather than judge you for it. 

Past failures

Reminder: You can’t go back and redo a failed speech, but you can redeem yourself and continue to get better. 

Lack of preparedness

Reminder: You may not have control over your other fears, but there is no limit to how prepared you can be for a scheduled public speaking event.

The effects of speech anxiety

The fear of public speaking causes a variety of physical and auditory effects when you give a speech. The audience may notice these things about your presentation when you are afraid:

• Rushing: Talking too quickly is a sign of speech anxiety and your anxiety may increase because of this effect. When you speak too quickly, it interrupts your breathing patterns, which may cause the sensation of being unable to breathe. This can lead to panic. The audience will understand you better when you slow down and use efficient pausing. This allows them to process the information and it allows you to gather your thoughts for what you’d like to say next. 
  

• Monotone voice: When you talk in a flat voice you may sound disengaged as though you are only trying to make it through your speech with a minimal amount of enthusiasm. The audience will mirror your behavior. For instance, if you include inflections in your voice and display excitement in what you are speaking about then the audience will probably be more excited and engaged. This will reduce your anxiety as you build a rapport with the audience and you may gain enjoyment out of the presentation. 
  

• Avoiding eye contact: Many people with a fear of public speaking avoid or ignore that the audience is there with the expectation that it will reduce their anxiety. However, this can cause more anxiety since you will only be focused on your own thoughts and not notice the audience’s reactions. The audience is likely more interested and engaged in your talk than your fear may lead you to believe.
  

• Fidgeting or Trembling: Moving during your speech is a great tool to engage your audience, but when you are nervous, your movements may make the audience feel uneasy. Your fear may cause you to shuffle your cue cards or fix your clothing incessantly. It may also cause your hands or body to tremble. When you provide fluid movements and gestures, it can help you reduce your nerves as your body and mind relax into your speech.

Benefits of reducing your fear

When you identify what causes your speech anxiety and the effects of it, then you may be more aware of what you need to do to overcome your fear of public speaking. The benefits of reducing your fear will probably sharpen your speaking skills in the workplace and may help you to:

• Share important ideas.

• Inspire others with your ideas.

• Speak openly about work projects.

• Brainstorm effectively in a group setting.

• Present solutions to workplace issues.

Helpful tips to overcome your fear of public speaking

The fear of public speaking is common but there are steps you can take to overcome your fear. Here are some tips that may help you reduce your fear before a speaking engagement: 

• Get organized.

• Practice your speech.

• Visualize a positive outcome.

• Get support.

• Start small.

Get organized

When you organize yourself, you are more likely to have a clear mind so you can better focus on your key points. Here are some ways to get organized:

• Research your topic thoroughly.

• Examine your target audience.

• Create an outline and cue cards.

Practice your speech

Your nervousness will dissipate when you practice and practice often. Before you write cue cards, it may be helpful to write a script and go over it a few times to memorize your key points. Here are a few ways you can practice:

• Rehearse in front of a mirror.

• Record yourself.

• Give your speech in front of a friend or family member.

Once you complete any or all of these tasks, you can change your presentation accordingly.

Visualize a positive outcome

Think about what a positive outcome looks like, feels like and sounds like to you. Write down these outcomes and identify any probable alternative outcomes. Scratch a line through any outcome you would not want to happen and circle the outcomes that you would like to happen. You may also practice the audience reaction with an individual that listens to your speech before you give it to a large or small group.

Get support

It is easier to overcome fear when you have people to encourage you who have experienced the same thing as you. Here are a few ways you can find support and encouragement in your community, as well as online:

• Join a public speaking group.

• Find a speech coach.

• Watch videos of speeches.

Start small

There are steps you can take to overcome your fear of public speaking and master the art of giving speeches. Starting with small events will likely give you the confidence and expertise you need to speak in front of a larger audience. Here are a few ways you can start small:

• Deliver a speech to two or three people.

• Give a toast at a friend’s wedding or other intimate event.

• Volunteer to speak in front of a small audience, such as a small class or at a community center.