Public Speaking: Overcoming Stage Fright
A comment to a recent post of mine led me to a book about overcoming America’s No. 1 Fear – public speaking. The title of the book Stage Fright: 40 Stars Tell You How They Beat America's #1 Fear by Mick Berry and Michael Edelstein got my attention. It isn’t the same as “writer’s block” or in my case “Blog Fright,” as in I’m suppose-to-do-a-blog-post-today, and haven’t done it.
There isn’t anything that compares to the pure terror experienced by some people when they have to get up to speak before an audience, especially a bunch of strangers. I love public speaking, but I remember my fears when I first started doing it – very, very stressful to say the least. And I learned over the years that if I don’t experience some trepidation before I get up to speak, I usually fall flat.
Although I don’t usually promote other people’s products here, the book sounded interesting enough to mention. If you don’t want to spring for $10 (or even less) on Amazon, here are sources of some free tips that may help overcome stage fright for those that experience it.
They include:
http://www.legalmarketingblog.com/admin/trackback/180212
Tom,
Thanks for the post and the resources. I remember the pure, almost debilitating panic, I felt as I was being introduced at my first speaking engagement. There was nothing to do but soldier on and, you know what, it turned out to be fun. Like you, I enjoy public speaking although I'm always a bit nervous before hand. But if I wasn't, it would mean I didn't care. I find the more I care about giving the audience something they can use, the better I do and the better it is received.
Thanks for your constant good advice.
Barbara
Dear Tom Kane,
Thanks. I have two major presentations coming up - an hour each - and it definitely helps to be reminded of the little things - like breathe! smile! know your material! and I liked this one. So what if you mess up? Have fun!
