Joann Baney

Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking

Introduction An established scholar, Joann Baney is an associate professor at the

Columbia School of International and Public Affairs. The owner and vice president of Professional Development Company, Joann Baney also trains business professionals to conquer their fear of public speaking.

Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking. Despite its strong links to career success, millions of Americans are terrified of speaking publicly or making presentations before groups of people. When you are an entrepreneur with a business to run or a business executive with employees to manage, good public speaking skills are crucial. Here’s how to get over glossophobia. 

First off, embrace the nerves. While sweaty palms and stomach jitters before a presentation may feel uncomfortable, they actually stimulate your body and awaken your mind. They are not necessarily a sign of impending disaster. They may actually be an indication that you are alive and alert and ready to connect with your audience.

Practice before every presentation. 

Public SpeakingDon’t wait until the last moment and then try to wing it. Rehearsing

acclimatizes your brain to the material you will present and makes it easier to communicate your ideas to a group. To get the best out of your rehearsals, do them under life-like conditions. Put on a suit and give your talk before a group of peers, and then request feedback and adjust your presentation appropriately. You can also watch videos of your favorite leaders and business executives give speeches while taking notes. Remember that many of them also get nervous before a speech.

When making a presentation, try to avoid the use of power point. Let your audience focus on you and your message, not on a screen. And don’t be afraid to get personal. We are all human beings driven by the same desires and fears. Sharing a personal story or communicating on a personal level is the best way to build trust and show confidence. Lastly, don’t forget to breathe. Take deep breaths before and during your presentation to keep you calm and in control.