Public speaking phobia have you beaten it and how!

[Bluefargo]

My job which I love every aspect of requires me to do a bit of public speaking.

I have mastered doing my own team meetings now (so large room, about 30 people - am most comfortable doing it seated "with" everyone) - don't love it but don't fear it horribly any more

However I had to speak at a function today - just a couple of lines standing up at in front of lots of my peers, juniors, senior managers and I got the dreaded voice shake despite having planned what I was going to say and practiced it a number of times (though not to the extent of having it off by rote)

I am really struggling with this type of public speaking and there will be. Lot more of it in the future.

I just want to do it competently and not show very obvious signs of terror!

Any tips from anyone who has beaten this?

You may find this interesting

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/2983168-To-have-a-complete-phobia-of-public-speaking

I found this TEDtalk quite helpful

www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2MR5XbJtXU

Extreme, but beta blockers really help manage the physical issues (shaky voice).

When I’m speaking at a conference or similar, I break the ice by acknowledging my nerves. Starting with a “Gosh there are a lot of you out there” or similar. Audience then relaxes a little.

Then there’s faking it until you make it. Tell yourself you’re good. Very good. Find opportunities to speak rather than avoid. Eventually you become that good speaker.

Then practical stuff. Comfortable clothes. Comfortable shoes. No ladders in your tights. Know you look your best.

Learn the opening couple of sentences by heart. Don’t rote learn whole speech though. Use crib cards. Practice, practice, practice. Know your subject. Mix facts with anecdotes. Make it warm. Make it comprehensible. Make it resonate. Tell the story as you would to your mother or husband. Don’t put in silly jokes that fall flat. Just be yourself.

Don’t ever offer to speak about something you don’t care about.