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 It will come as no
surprise to many of you that researchers regularly find the number one fear among
Americans to be public speaking. That's right: number one. Quite obviously, then, if you
dread giving oral presentations, you are not alone.
But why is it that we don't like to speak in public?
And more important, how can we overcome that fear? In answer to the first question, most
people assume that something bad is going to happen while they're up there talking: they
will say something stupid, or forget what they're talking about, or not know how to answer
a question from the audience. They might trip and fall, or spill water on their suit, or
just plain freeze. Many persons tell me they feel uncomfortable being the center of
attention, with all eyes riveted on them.
These feelings are understandable, and they show us
how quickly we can erect a negative attitude about something we don't like to do. That's
all it is, however: an attitude; and attitudes can be changed. It is possible to approach
public speaking more confidently. The keys to easing the negativity you feel are in the
three main words in the title of this article: Taking, Fear and Speaking. Let's
consider in them in reverse order.
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Speaking. What is it that you are being asked to do? Speak.
That's all. Don't think of your task as a "speech" or a
"presentation," which are both formal (and sometimes intimidating) words. Think of it
as merely talking to people who are listening to you. You are giving them some
information, and they are eager to hear what you have to say. Simply talk to your
audience. Fear. Here is where the power of words comes in. If you tell
yourself you fear something, then you do. Downgrade "fear" into some
less-threatening word. Tell yourself that speaking in public gives you a feeling of
"anticipation" or "uneasiness." It is much easier to deal with those
lesser feelings. Save "fear" for when you are describing a truly
life-threatening situation. Admit it: speaking is not life-threatening. Taking. This is perhaps the most important word of all, because
it's an action that you perform. Merely wishing that you felt better about public speaking
is not enough, you have to do something about it. Deciding that you would like to have a
more positive attitude about public speaking is your responsibility. You must remove the
fear, rather than merely hoping it will go away. Exercise your power over yourself.
 When you take
them in order, the task is not so formidable. Realize that giving a speech is only
talking, and bring your feelings down to earth by defining them as mere anticipation or
uneasiness, which can be controlled and dissipated. It's up to you. Take that first step
toward self-confidence.
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