Do you suffer from glossophobia? Glossophobia is a fear of public speaking and according to recent research carried out by YouGov, the international market research company, 49% of Britons say they are scared of public speaking, with 15% going as far as to say they have a phobia about it.

Today is Professional Speakers Day, so glossophobia is in the news. But what can you do to overcome your fear of public speaking and say goodbye to glossophobia?

Overcoming the fear of public speaking can be challenging, but by following the golden rules below and with plenty of practice, you can become a more confident and compelling speaker.

  1. Be prepared

Thorough preparation is vital. If you’ve done the prep and are comfortable with your content as well as the technology and materials you need to use, your anxiety will reduce significantly.

If you are worried that people will question your content or conclusions, research the opposite points of view and be ready for the critics. You could even build contrary views into your presentation to control the narrative. It’s a great confidence booster if you know you’ve got every angle covered.

  1. Watch some stand-up comedy

Learn how to engage and command an audience from the experts (and have some fun while you do it). Live comedy performances are excellent examples to observe: watch any comic as they come out on stage, walk to the front to be closer to the audience, remove barriers (such as a mic stand) and use open body language and gestures.

  1. Learn to love the silence

Nervous presenters will speed up their speech, often with the aim of getting it all over as quickly as possible and avoiding questions. Again, learn from the experts: excellent presenters ensure their verbal delivery is maintained at a measured speed and, crucially, they are not afraid of silence. Silences allow time for important points to sink in and for critical thinking and reflection about what has been said.

  1. Manage your body language 

Body language plays a crucial role in effective communication, especially during public speaking.

  • Posture: Stand upright and use open-hand gestures to demonstrate honesty and confidence. Don’t cross your arms.
  • Eye contact: Make frequent eye contact with your audience to build a connection and create trust.
  • Facial expressions: A genuine smile at appropriate points will help to create a positive and relaxed atmosphere. Facial expressions can also be used to show enthusiasm and emotion.
  • Move about: Avoid standing rigidly on the spot. Move naturally within your presentation area to help keep the attention of your audience.

  1. Don’t think your presentation has to be perfect 

This is key. Don’t impose expectations on yourself that are too high. Accept that mistakes will happen: your tech won’t work, you will sometimes say the wrong word or stumble over a sentence. There’s no need to be embarrassed, defensive or flustered; instead, use some self-deprecating humour to come across as confident, relaxed, calm and in control. If you feel comfortable, your audience will too.

 And finally…

  • Visualise success: Picture yourself delivering a successful speech and receiving positive reactions from the audience. Visualisation can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
  • Start small: Begin with speaking opportunities in front of smaller, supportive groups to gradually build your confidence.
  • Engage with the audience: Interact with your audience through questions, anecdotes or interactive elements to involve them and ease tension.
  • Breathe and pace yourself: Take deep breaths to relax and maintain a steady pace during your speech. Avoid rushing, as it can make you and your audience feel uneasy.
  • Record and review: Record yourself during practice sessions or actual presentations to identify areas for improvement and build self-awareness.

Find out about our one-day Presentation Skills and Techniques course.

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