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For many people, the thought of giving a speech, reciting a poem or performing in front of an audience, no matter how small, is simply unthinkable. Fear of public speaking, also known as glossophobia or speech anxiety, affects a variety of people of different ages, genders and backgrounds. If you suffer from this condition, before a speaking engagement, you’ll experience sweaty palms, shaky hands, a pounding heart and you might also forget what you want say. Does this sound familiar?

Why do you need to speak in public?

Speeches are not limited to politicians and celebrities who are constantly in the public arena. Most people will at some point have to give a speech, whether it’s at a birthday party, a wedding or at a funeral. Your job might also involve giving presentations to your boss and/or clients. Whatever the case may be, you need to be able to put your point across in a concise, clear, and hopefully humourous way. No one likes to listen to a boring person.

Key points to remember

Contrary to popular belief, imagining your audience naked is not a great idea. Instead of making you more relaxed, it will distract you.

When preparing your speech, it’s important that you be clear on who your target audience is. Don’t be too casual and familiar when addressing a bunch of business people. And there is no need to be overly formal when speaking in front of high school students or your family.

Also, you shouldn’t overwhelm your audience with a mountain of information. Most people will only remember a few points as they leave, so be certain of what you want them to take away from the meeting.

A good way to relax is to consider a public speaking engagement not so much as a presentation and more as a conversation, albeit with a group. Interact with your audience. Try to get some responses. And don’t over-think it. You should know what information you wish to impart. Whether or not it is accepted is not particularly important, as long as it is understood.

Boost your confidence

If you’re not quite ready and comfortable enough to give a speech in public, take lessons. There are a number of associations and organisations which are there to help you overcome your fear of public speaking.