"speaking in public"is mankind's greatest PHOBIA...

Practice makes perfect! My job involves a considerable amount of presenting skill and the occasional moment where I have to speak in front of many people. The most to date I guess is around 200 or so. I have a really strange way of overcoming a fear of public speaking in that I do little or no preparation! I tend to find that if I just walk in and do what I have to do, it flows better. If I try to prepare speeches or whatever, I am more concerned with the script than I am with actually doing what has to be done! Strange method yes, but works for me! And the number one rule for public speaking? Always make sure you have something of interest to say and encourage audience participation. There is nothing that scares you more when public speaking than a bored audience! It is one of the most uplifting experiences you can have in my opinion.

It does seem like to me that speaking in public is a great fear of many people that I have met or come across. They are all very good talkers and love being around people but standing up in front of a large crowd makes me and most people I know very nervous. That and starting a conversation with a woman in a public place are my two biggest phobias.

Speaking in public is horrible because it takes you out of youre comfort zone and increases the likelihood of humiliating yourself. Its OK if you just stand up and be yourself but when its something important or something your not sure about standing up- and talking about it is the most difficult thing in the world. In my experience its the bit waiting around to do a presentation or something thats most stressful, its usually fine once you get up there

Yes it is true that speaking in public can be the most feared, as we get very nervous before we have to do a presentation and wonder beforehand how it will go over to the public, and of course if you do it more the more better you will feel about your presentation. We must practise this a lot to get it right in the first place.

Its weird but I can be the one talking to a group of people with no problem, at parties and in a group. but if i have to memorize and get up in front of people to say my speech, i get all tongue tied. I really cant figure that one out.

Public speaking, like any other skill need to be developed. The more you practice, the more you will get use to it. Previously when I was in grade school and secondary school I was shy and nervous when I speak in public. But then participating in oratorical events made my shyness disappear a little bit. I was twice invited as a commencement speaker in a graduation ceremony. I made a research on the topic that I have to discuss and prepared for it. Though I am a bit used to speak in public, I still get nervous when I go up the stage. Later, as I go along with my speech, the confidence is already there and the nervousness disappeared.

For me, speaking in public was hell! My face would turn beet red, I would shake, my hands would fidget, my voice would quiver, my knees would buckle, sweat would beed up all over my face, my breathing would get faster, I would often get a catch in my throat and start to cough, causing me to sneeze, my nose would start to run and my eyes would water, I was a real mess, but now that I am in my middle 50's, I no longer have a problem with speaking in public, infact I like it! Maybe some people just had to let father time take care of the problem!

I don't know if your talking a lot is related to confidence in speaking in public. I mean speeches. I used to be a shy person but when in high school I took up debating, the words flew out of my mouth so smoothly, I would say being knowledgeable about the subject you are supposed to speak on and believing in the point of view you are presenting matters more. that gives you confuidence and you can speak more stressfully and effectively.

I don't know if your talking a lot is related to confidence in speaking in public. I mean speeches. I used to be a shy person but when in high school I took up debating, the words flew out of my mouth so smoothly, I would say being knowledgeable about the subject you are supposed to speak on and believing in the point of view you are presenting matters more. that gives you confuidence and you can speak more stressfully and effectively.

u are right. actually ppl thinks that what other ppl are thinking and all. also they get attentive and tensed. Its a gift actually where some ppl are great orators. One must be articulate to be a good speaker

TOTALLY agree with you.Its my greatest phobia too besides acrophobia. But to some its just like having a piece of cake.I have practiced doing it over and over again.Guess what? I'm still not over it. lol.

I do admire good speakers. That's why I really wanted to become one someday. I agree that it is something developed and nobody is born with it. I am even planning to take up masters degree this coming school year because I wanted to learn how to speak in front of people with confidence. I think if I can teach College students I can overcome my fear of talking in front. I already have experiences of talking and training people but I believe that there are still a lot to be improved. This is one of my biggest dreams right now.

I have come across such statements in many books too!!!!! I feel this very very true (The truth's alwayz bitter)....Im not talkin about myself but the crowd in general. People alwayz hesitate to speak since they fear being laughed ate!!!!!! But, i've alwayz been a prize-winner in elocution and debate competitions in my school and college days

Hello dear, "practice makes a man perfect"; that wasn't made by a fluke!! Your words are absolutly true that more you talk better will you be able to speak. Infact not only talking be it anything, playing any musical instument, playing games, studying, etc , the more you practice on the more you develop in the field. There are many people in the world (to some extent even me) who are just not too fine when speeking in front of public. In my case it takes me a lot to go or to step up, but once that isdone, I'm fine with the further communication. I lack the initial courage to face the crowd and your advice is what I'll have to follow on. Thanks dear.

I totally agree with you. I have seen people who are such good in speaking one on one but when it comes to public speaking, its just a different level. I was also not comfortable in speaking in public until some time but now I feel quite confident while doing that. Its all about confidence and just the first time phobia I believe.

'speaking in public' in the begining it is a PHOBIA but later on slowly slowly it gives confidence. Speaking is a art.to speak any topic u need some skills definately. Always read more or discuss some topics with ur knowledgeable frd. don't sit dumb

So true, I must say is what you said. Really speaking in public need a lot of guts and also to make them accept and listen to you, you need a lot of skills as well. Most people are scared to speak in public because of there phobia that no one may listen to them or they may be laughed at because of the lack of skills. Most of the people who are confident are either too confident about what they are speaking and/or they are quite skill full. Basically the speaking skills develop as you start speaking and reading and listening to others and open up the doors of our brains. Any Ways Take Care May GOD Bless YOU

I have heard about that as well. I guess that as with everything, it is relative. I am a bit shy at times, but I never had a problem speaking in public. I do it often at school assemblies, community centers etc. and I never felt any special fear, other than the small worry that I might forget some important point. I think it helps when you're talking about something that you know well, and are comfortable with. The words just flow and people actually pay attention.

When it comes to public speaking in front of thousands of strange faces, it helps to imagine that you're speaking to all your friends instead of seeing them as strangers. Others prefer picturing the audience in their birthday suits. It helps your nerves relax. Thus, speaking in public would be a breeze. I don't have much experience in public speaking. Though i don't have much problems with speaking in front of thousands and thousands of people as experience in theater and dance helps me build my confidence. One last tip, you should know your subject matter well. If you're knowledgable about a particular topic, it will be easier to talk about it with others.

I agree with you. I also have this fear in Public Speaking. I am not confident with myself. One thing also is that, I am not good at impromptu..I run out of words and ideas.. Many people are hesitant to talk in public because they are conscious at what other people would day about them..You know, audiences always think they are more brilliant than the ones talking in front of them..