Can you get rid of the anxiety that comes with public speaking? Yes says columnist Ken Brand in an article in Agent Genius.
He says, " Glossophobia is real. Public speaking makes me doubt myself, sweat, obsess and worry like a wuss."
But Ken has not allowed his anxiety let be. Rather he's constantly been looking for ways to eliminate it.
"In a quest to overcome my fears, I’ve talked to legions of people and asked tons of questions. I’ve become a student public speaking. I’m always trying to figure out how others successfully deal with their fears, how they rise to their occasions, perform and deliver."
" I’m looking for ways to cool out fears, squelch performance anxiety, and enjoy the presentation opportunity, instead of fear it. I think I’ve found it. It works when presenting to as few as two on a listing appointment, or on stage in front of twenty or two hundred."he says
He further adds, "I’ve found that pros and amateurs agree on the same two general areas of focus; relentless preparation, and a self-confidence-head-game. The two go hand in hand. The preparation-process of research, creation and rehearsal, creates self-confidence. Self-confidence enhances performance. I get that, and that’s what I strive for."
However, despite doing all this it was not as though it was immediate liberation for Ken.
He says, "When I felt I was super-well prepared, I still sweated the whole deal. Fears sorta sucked the joy out it. Sometimes I was more relieved to be finished than I was joyful about the opportunity to share with others. Until I figured out how to turn things around (most of the time).
I wanted to share the method of approach I use to help turn things around. It calms my anxieties, clarifies what’s important, amps enjoyment of the experience and enhances performance. I’m hoping you’ll find it as useful as I do."
Ken's Method Of Overcoming
" I replace the words Public Speaking with the words Public Sharing. Instead of beginning and ending with my focus on Me-Me-Me Public Speaking, I flip it around. I begin my preparation with a righteous focus on Them-Them-Them Public Sharing."
"Sharing is fun. Sharing feels good. Sharing is appreciated. Sharing is helpful. Sharing is giving instead of taking. Sharing is inspiring. Sharing is positive! When our attention is focused on the positives of sharing with others, our anxiety naturally melts, fears ebb and confidence in ourselves and what we’re doing blooms boldly. When we’re prepared, relaxed and confident, everyone involved benefits more."
