The Pressure to Perform : Overcome fear of public......speaking.

I became personally acquainted with the how to’s of performing under pressure running track as a child/young adult.

The first time I experienced the adrenaline that accompanies the spotlight of expectations in front of an audience I was in 5th grade. The better I became, the larger the stages grew, the greater the expectation to do well, along with my need to mentally prepare.

Which brings me to tip number 1: Start young.

I was introverted as a child and was forced into extracurricular activities by my mom. She recognized the need to exercise interpersonal communication skills and challenged my adolescent comfort zones with introduction to team sports, speech/debate and theater. This exposure is effective for outgoing children as well. Numerous studies on students have revealed public speaking is proven to build confidence, engage and build presentation and conflict resolution skills.

Tip 2: Over Prepare. When applicable, speaking in front of others on a familiar topic or content creates what I call the ABC effect. It is easy to recite the ABC song because we all know it like the back of our hands. Your nerves will naturally impede your ability to relax or recollect, being overly familiar with your content offsets the uncontrolled variables. Accomplish this by practicing your poem, pitch or speech aloud until it is imprinted in your temporal lobe; or better, until the information is embedded in your subconscious mind so you express effortlessly. Identify your best method for retaining information and use it, for example; hearing it repeatedly or writing it down.

Tip 3: Be Honest. Fear of public speaking is believed to impact 75% of the population. In a study published by TheTimes UK, fear of public speaking was a more pressing concern than death. Admission of nervousness to your audience will likely be met with sympathy.

Tip 4: Accept that nerves are not going anywhere. You may not ever not fear audience rejection but you absolutely can improve your ability to manage that fear.

Tip 5: Don’t quit. You are already miles ahead of so many others that never find the courage to start. Swallow the lump in your throat, your spotlight awaits.

XO, KAT