How to Conquer the Fear of Public Speaking

*This was actually a #dancedare (that poor boy/man), but not unlike how I prepare for my speeches now;)

For someone who always raised her hand in class and was even the nerdy one who consistently offered to read aloud, I was surprised how different the stage felt when people began paying me to talk. Suddenly I judged my words before they left my mouth, my heart raced in an unfamiliar staccato, my palms could quite possibly be rung out to dry.

Thankfully, the audience rarely noticed, but I did. And I think they were just being kind.

And this was AFTER, seven years of teaching and over a decade waiting tables/bartending (nearly the best impromptu speaker training ever!).

I don’t get nervous. I’m not shy. What is this? I barely recognized this jumpy, uncomfortably sweaty version of myself.

It kinda made me feel that same out-of-body way like when I’m in line for a roller coaster. As the click-click-click happens on the way up the hill, I do that laugh-cry thing where people are unsure of whether I’m laughing or crying. Heck, I’m not even certain.

But I get on. I ride that damn thing. Again and again. Because I know it’s a silly fear. And I don’t like silly things to hold me back from nada!

I joined Toastmasters NYC. That was my coaster. In nine months I’ve completed 14 speeches and I rarely attend a meeting without a role to speak.

So, the obvious step numero uno in conquering a fear of public speaking: Speak! Find a local Toastmasters group, or a Meetup group or even take a public speaking course at a community center/college, or just stand on a busy street corner and orate.

If you’d prefer not to wait tables or work in some realm of customer service, there are still hundreds of opportunities a day to practice speaking. You can creep out the grocery store clerk with your killer eye contact, for instance, or better yet, just reach across to that mike and start working your material. Kidding!

Nearly every conversation you have in public is an opportunity to practice. Much of public speaking is conveying your ideas, clearly and concisely. That’s it.

Being more present in your communication is also huge. And this may seem counterintuitive, but listening is a big component of public speaking.

Annunciate, use more colorful, descriptive language. Um … we often get lazy with our vocabulary, um … or better yet talk with, um … a mouth full of marbles, as, um … my Gma would say [the marbles, not the ums]. Stretch a little, if you want to be a better speaker, act as if you already are!

Another biggie: energy! What are you conveying to the world? Get a good feel on your vibe. Are they picking up what you’re puttin down? Why not?

Got kids? Got pets? Got treats? Awesome. You have yourself an audience!

Got a smartphone or webcam? It’s kinda excruciating, but it must be done. Videotape yourself. I’ve got some really terrible early jems still up on Youtube. The only thing not embarrassing about them is that I did it. I started. I knew I wasn’t good, but I started anyway.

Lastly, watch TED and other great speakers. Pick out things you like and things you don’t like.

Double lastly, be you. The smart, funny, sexy you that you are when you’re not trying at all.

Yeah, that’s who we want!

I leave you with this: Did I miss any tips or tricks? What’s your public speaking hack? Is this a fear for you? I’m curious.

#Onward

Much Love,

Kat Hurley

Kat is a transformational author, inspirational storyteller and live your dream life coach, making over motivation on her daily blog: The Year of Magical Dreaming. For the full 411, visit www.kathurley.com.