Alper Rozanes

In today’s blog post, I’m going to dive deep into something many of us dread—public speaking. And let’s get real here; we’re not just talking about shaking off the jitters. We’re exploring how decisive action can genuinely help us battle that gnawing feeling of dread in our guts.

Many years ago, I stumbled upon a transformative book titled “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield. And you know what grabbed my attention? This line:

“An amateur believes they must conquer their fear before starting, but a professional knows that fear will never vanish completely.”

Now, why did that resonate so strongly with me? Because it’s a stark reminder that facing fear is part and parcel of achieving something meaningful. You might hear phrases like “move forward despite your fears” and think they’re cliché. But in my experience, acknowledging your fear while staying laser-focused on your objectives can profoundly change how you behave.

Why do we face a fear of public speaking?

So, you might be wondering, why is public speaking such a common fear? It doesn’t matter if you’re in front of a handful of people or a hall of hundreds; the anxiety doesn’t discriminate. I’ve been speaking publicly for nearly 15 years, and let me tell you, the butterflies haven’t exactly flown away.

What’s critical to understand here is that this kind of fear might stick around for the long haul. But instead of sitting back and wishing it away, I believe it’s crucial to seize the moment and just start talking. Organizations like Toastmasters or various presentation workshops aren’t a magic cure, but they offer invaluable platforms to practice and push through your reservations.

Now, let’s not forget about your audience. Believe it or not, they’re not just passive spectators; they’re active participants eagerly waiting to hear what you have to say. So, don’t rob them of that experience. Embrace the reality that, even after all these years, you might still feel that tingling sensation of nervousness. The objective isn’t to eliminate your fear altogether. Rather, it’s to march into that conference room or step onto that stage—butterflies and all—and remember that your message has a right to be heard.

Is there hope to overcome the fear of public speaking?

So, is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Can you ever conquer the fear of public speaking? While the fear may never entirely go away, I wholeheartedly believe it shouldn’t be a barrier to effective communication.

Joining public speaking clubs like Toastmasters, or attending presentation workshops may not eliminate this fear entirely, but they provide opportunities to learn and practice speaking despite the anxiety.

By facing our fears head-on and maintaining focus on what needs to be done, we can trample over our anxieties and give speeches that resonate. Take that step, seize that opportunity, and let your voice echo. The audience is all ears.

And if you want to dig deeper, check out my page on presentation training or private coaching!