Fear at Podium – Public speaking

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance. – Aesop

Once bitten twice shy is a great proverb which is normally true here. For many this fear has its origin at school level where the presentations are giggled at by classmates. This grows along with the child and exhibits itself in trying to avoid talking to a group or going on stage. Accumulated fear may result in total disaster.

The podium causes fear. The lion that roars inside its cage mews when comes out. A leader is admired because he has the ability to speak out casually, stir emotions, speak to the point and also carry on a repartee. Without these one may not be a leader. So there is the innate wish within everyone to get over the fear at podium.

Recognizing and analyzing one’s fear is the first step to get out of it. Today, from the politicians to the normal businessmen, all may have to face situations which make them stand before an audience and speak.

To be unperturbed when not appreciated by others is a virtue. This fear is said to be the cause of inferiority complex as well as a negative approach.

This fear may be seen as nervousness in hands and legs, a gone feeling in the stomach, a fluttering sensation, stammering and at times a tremor (quake like!) particularly in legs. For some this may express itself through extreme symptoms like nausea, vomiting and fever. So it is absolutely necessary to grab it at the early stages and overcome this fear.

Normally this fear is only at the surface level for many. Encouragement by others will help them overcome this easily. If this encouragement is given at school through teachers and fellow students, everyone can overcome this fear. A discussion of this fear with fellow class mates along with the teacher, and making the students go often on stage to say something on anything should clear this fear.
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This fear is also due to a negative approach on the acceptance of what one says. But one should remember this. If someone has asked you to go on stage and give a speech, that itself is recognition enough of your worth by some and the next step is only to prove that you deserve that and deserve much more, and make many invite you. If you are good behind closed doors and feel all gone when on stage, it is but only a simple step to overcome this fear.

Applause is a tonic. To get this one may have to do a lot of homework. Many great people have gone through speech training involving intonation and stress. One who can not speak clearly can never be a success. Practicing the postures and gestures should certainly help. For a few, the comic postures and expressions have helped them become popular. But that is one of the uncommon things that happen.

Not having a lot to say may also cause this fear. A speaker need not have a string of important points to say. Even if one has only one important point to say and plans the approach of the culmination properly, one can be certain of success. The people expect something they can appreciate and remember. Don’t make a long list of things to say. Being pedagogic won’t promote success.

There is a time to take counsel of your fears, and there is a time to never listen to any fear. - George S. Patton

This fear belongs to the latter and practice makes one perfect.

Quotes from quotegarden