I am a college sophomore studying Public Relations and although I consider myself an excellent writer, an outgoing person and extremely creative, I am not the best public speaker. I know those in P.R. are often required to address the press but is having a fear a public speaking enough of a reason to change my career path? I’m articulate but I have the hardest time not sounding like a fumbling mess when adressing a crowd. THANKS!
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June 28th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
For what it’s worth, I think that fear of public speaking is something you could probably work through, maybe with the help of a shrink that deals in phobias.
I have always had a horrible fear of public speaking. Then, my father died on July 14th this year. We were really close, and when I thought about it, I decided that I was the person who knew him the best, and could write the best eulogy. But I was scared to deliver it myself to so many people.
However, someone pointed out to me that there was so much stuff in the eulogy that came only from me, that it would sound weird with someone else reading it. So I decided that I would have to get past my fear and go up there and read it.
I knew that I would cry, and I did a couple of times, but as I went through it, I felt better and better about it. I actually think that this experience helped me get over my fear of public speaking somewhat.
The thing about public speaking is how well you know your subject. I happened to have known my subject well (my father) and so had no trouble talking about him. If, on the other hand, I had been asked to give a lecture about nuclear physics, I probably would have been a LOT more nervous!
July 1st, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Practice a lot and you mght be the best in pr field in ten years.
July 1st, 2009 at 8:08 pm
In short, yes, a fear of public speaking will hinder you from reaching your full potential. I know this is not what you want to hear, but hear me out. I am a college Senior, and when I was a sophomore, I was PETRIFIED of public speech to the point that I quit my speech class! I joined an organization called Toastmasters that has increased my speaking skills and self confidence ten-fold. There are over 12,000 Toastmaster clubs around the world with the intent of creating more comfortable and confident speakers. I HIGHLY encourage you to start attending meetings and can almost guarantee that if you stick with it for a year, you will learn to love speaking in public. Good luck! There is no fear that you can’t conquer. Also, repetition is the greatest source of confidence. Cheers!
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:48 pm
I am sorry that I cannot empathize with you. I have never had a problem with this fear.
However, when I meet other speakers many tell me that they had the same fear you had prior to getting started. All had different stories as to how they overcame it.
The suggestion for toastmasters is good. I have a love **** relationship with them. I think they have their limits.
The bottom line, become good at public speaking and the fear will disappear. You can read books, read information on web sites and or above all, start to practice.
Practice in this sense means actually start public speaking. Do it for free. Do it for fee. How ever you chose, start to do it.
Not everything in life you do will be comfortable. Public speaking however, once you master it, is one of the most exhilarating things you can do in life. It allows you to help people, sometimes even saving their lives with only your spoken word.