Overcoming My Fear of Public Speaking: My Top Personal Achievement
Public speaking is a daunting task for many individuals, and I used to be among them. But I didn’t allow my fear of public speaking to hold me back. With determination and practice, I overcame it. In this article, I’ll share my journey of overcoming my fear of public speaking to a point where I now confidently handle public speaking engagements.
Introduction
I can trace my fear of public speaking back to my childhood. Throughout my early years, I was an introverted child who preferred to keep to myself. Even as a teenager, I struggled with public speaking, and the thought of standing in front of a crowd made me feel anxious and nervous.
My phobia of public speaking didn’t do my career aspirations any good. At virtually every turn, there was a need to communicate publicly, and this made me dwell on the fact that I had to do something about my fear of public speaking. Below is my journey of how I overcame my fear of public speaking.
Body
Understanding the Fear
The first step in overcoming any fear is to understand it, and public speaking isn’t an exception. The fear typically stems from concerns that you might not do an excellent job, and people will think poorly of you. The fear of failure is also a common factor. It’s helpful to acknowledge that fear is a result of thoughts and not the task itself. That was my first lesson.
Confronting the Fear
The next step is confronting your fear. I started by practicing my speaking skills at home. It’s easier to confront the fear when you’re not in the spotlight, and you can refine your skills from the comfort of your home. What made this task easier was asking a friend or family member for help with feedback. When I was starting, I’d record my speeches and listen back to them to refine my areas of opportunity. As you work to overcome your fear, practice often, record your speeches and evaluate them to improve.
Learning from Others
The third step, which I consider crucial, is seeking support and advice from those who’ve walked the path you’re treading. Public speaking is a task that many people have to face regularly and overcome. So, it’s always useful to learn from their experiences and pick up some tips to help you deal with your anxiety. There are numerous resources online, including books, webinars, and YouTube videos, to help you learn more about public speaking.
Visualizing Success
The last step in overcoming my fear of public speaking was visualizing success. Before giving any talk, I always visualized myself succeeding, and it helped calm my nerves. The mind is powerful, and if you’ve rehearsed well and created an excellent presentation, the odds of your succeeding are high. So, visualize yourself doing just that—succeeding.
Conclusion
Overcoming the fear of public speaking doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey that requires persistence and patience. But, with determination, anyone can overcome this fear. In my case, it’s been the top personal achievement because it’s opened up doors and opportunities that I never thought possible. If you’re dealing with the same fear, remember the steps I took, and know that with perseverance, you too can overcome it.
