Public Speaking Anxiety

I cannot prove this, but my sense is one thing most all of us have in common is none of us like standing up in front of an audience and speaking. The exercise is nothing if not daunting. A room full of people stare at us while we try thinking of not just the right words to say, but articulating them in a way that is understandable, coherent, and possibly touches on being profound. As a former press secretary and current teacher for a combination of over 40 years, I am someone who has talked a great deal in front of others. Nevertheless, I cannot think of one time when it has not been anything less than a real challenge.


Over the years, in many of my classes I have had students give oral presentations or reports. Some, not surprisingly, have done better than others. Some have been more comfortable or at-ease while others - many - have given the impression they would rather be having a root canal than dong what they are doing at that particular moment. I completely relate to their anxiety. I also marvel at their courage for doing something outside their comfort zone. Risking embarrassing ourselves before others is akin to walking a tightrope. One slip and the result is a serious fall. In the case of public speaking, the risk is at least a temporary fall from grace.


One obvious solution to such a scenario is simply not to do it. It is akin to having a fear of sharks and dealing with it by simply never going in the ocean. More realistically, two primary suggestions, as I see it, to contending with public speaking anxiety are: becoming very familiar with the topic on which you are speaking and practice and more practice. Being thoroughly knowledgeable on a topic gives one confidence. Without question, talking about something on which we have much information at our command can be quite uplifting. Then, as far as practicing goes, while even that may not make us perfect, with learning the mechanics does bring with it a sense of comfort.