According to Jr Thorpe, Glossophobia is not only the technical term for fear of public speaking, but also the lack of personal connection with one's audience.
From the previous post, we understand that the difference between Kelvin and
Mathew is 'fear'- fear of the audience. And that is basically what glossophobia entails. It is not strange to see a debater after serious preparation mounting the podium only for him/her to start fidgeting. This obviously is not a problem of what to say, the problem however is how to say it. Public-speaking can be nerve-racking.
To avoid such, some tips can be done to calm the nerves and to an extent reduce the rate of stammering, thereby enhancing optimal oration.
-- *Practice*: this simply means to perform over and over again in the face of all obstacles. According to Martha Graham, practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired. To build effective communication skills, you practice some more. Elbert Hubbard once said “The only way to learn to speak is to speak and speak, and speak and speak, and speak and speak and speak.”
-- *Prepare*: like the saying, proper preparation prevents poor performance. The first step to reduce one's nervousness is knowing what to say. Have you ever noticed that debaters debate with confidence and composure but when it comes to impromptu session, even the best debater fidgets? Being conversant about what's going on in the world is also a method of preparing oneself as a good public speaker. Be versatile!
-- *Work on your breathing*: When you focus on your breathing your voice will have more resonance and you will relax. Breathe calmly and focus on getting into a rhythm. Breath-work reduces stress and improve clarity in speech.
Also, talking fast during a speech interferes with your breathing patterns. If you talk too fast you will breathe less. Feeling short of breath will make you panicked and more susceptible to fear. Practice slowing down when you speak, and you will be more calm and relaxed.
-- *Be proud of your success*: always remember that your first audience is you! After a presentation, learn to encourage yourself, give yourself thumbs up, don't criticize yourself, rather have a plan on how to improve the next presentation.
With these and lots more, you're a step ahead of fidgeting during public speaking.
*Great Minds Initiatives*
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