Over the past 12 years I have worked with many people to help them conquer their fear of public speaking. These people were all different. They were managers, programmers, accountants, and administrative professionals. Every one had a story to tell about why they got so nervous when speaking in public. And every story was different. But one common thread among them was that they all stated that the fear of public speaking was holding them back.
It is widely known that the fear of public speaking, or glossophobia, is extremely common. Some surveys have indicated that well more than half of the adult population of North America admits to having this fear. Many famous people including Warren Buffett, Nicole Kidman, Donny Osmond, and even Abraham Lincoln suffered from this affliction. All of them obviously found a way to conquer that fear because if they hadn’t they probably would not have been successful enough to become famous.
Overcoming your fear of public speaking does not ensure fame and fortune. However, if you avoid situations where you could display your skills and knowledge because of it, you know it is holding you back. An I am absolutely certain that you can GET OVER IT! The first step is recognizing that this problem is an obstacle to overcome. The second step is to take action to move down the path toward more confident speaking.
The people I have helped have gone on to give presentations in front of large audiences, win speaking awards, and even become presidents of organizations. Some have been absolutely amazed at the opportunities that have opened up for them. They all started avoiding the spotlight. When they recognized it was preventing their success they made a decision to take action. So, what would it mean to conquer your fear?