Being scared of talking in front of an audience is not only normal but it is also very common!

 

Yes, I’m scared, so what?

Public speaking, what does it mean? We all had to speak in front of a group whether it was at school or at work. Maybe you remember when you had to give a speech at school? Let’s be honest, for most of us it was not our favorite day. I do not know how it was for you but for me between the fear of others’ judgments, the fear of forgetting my speech, and the fear of getting yelled at by the teacher because I can’t speak, for sure those days were not my favorites. Of course, most of us no longer have to give speeches at school but at work we often end up having to talk in front of an audience whether it is in front of a client, a manager, and coworkers… For many people, public speaking is a very stressful task.

 

75% of the population is glossophobic

Did you know that being scared of public speaking was a real phobia? Yes, it’s called glossophobia and it reaches 75% of the population (Khan, F., et al. 2015). Some people would rather die than give a speech. Therefore if you are afraid you are not the only one! And, it is completely normal to be afraid to talk in front of an audience! Yes, you have the right to be mad at every teacher who didn’t believe you when you told them you were petrified.

My symptoms

Various symptoms can really be a pain in the neck.

  •  Cramps in the stomach
  • Excessive sweating
  • The voice is shaking
  • The feeling you are going to pass out
  • The heart beating too fast

My fears linked to glossophobia

The fear of public speaking can often lead to a big moment of panic; but we are not sure exactly what scares us in it. When we take the time to look into it we understand what really scares us.

  • Are you afraid you will not be up to the task?
  • Are you afraid you will forget everything you have to say?
  • Are you afraid of the number of people in the audience?
  • Are you afraid they will know more than you?
  • Are you scared of being ridiculous?
  • What are people going to think?
  • Are you passionate about your topic but you don’t know how to express it professionally?

This list is not exhaustive.

Where does this fear come from?

Glossophobia often comes from a lack of self-esteem. Yet, it is not because you do not have enough self-esteem that you cannot speak in front of an audience. Some people think that because they are introverts or because they were not born with this skill they cannot talk in public. Except that it is not true! You can learn to speak in front of an audience. Numerous technics and strategies exist to beat glossophobia!

Learning to talk in fr ont of an audience

It is possible that in an ideal world you would like to be able to overcome your stress and improve your credibility and therefore have a better impact when you talk in front of an audience. What if I told you it was possible! Thanks to a toolbox you will be able to learn to nail your next presentations! I promise. Indeed, I offer to help you improve your skills and your credibility to talk in front of an audience.

Juliette Guerrault’s offers

Individual coaching

You have to give a speech, talk at a meeting? You need help with outlining, help getting ready? You are afraid your won’t have enough credibility? You don’t know where to start? You are afraid of what people will think of you? 

Contact me for private coaching session(s) to help you with your project!

Develop your Impact in front of an Audience

You need a specialized trainer in Communication to help your employees with public speaking tasks. Do not hesitate to click on the following link to get more information on the offers for corporations.

Public Speaking strategies

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