fear of public speaking essay

Fear of public speaking Essay

5 Works Cited

Your chest is tight and you feel like you’re on fire. Your chest is tight ant you’re burning up. The flash cards in your hands are crumpled from you squeezing them obsessively. You look up and see dozens of eyes staring at you, waiting expectantly. Taking a deep breath, you stumble through the speech. When it’s finally over, you practically run back to your seat, cheeks flaming bright red. You slump down, already dreading the next time you’ll have to deal with your upmost fear : public speaking. For as long as I can remember, public speaking has always been one of my greatest weaknesses. Whether it’s a simple in-class presentation or a speech in front of an auditorium filled with people, I can barely get my words out from the anxiety and …show more content…

I used the search engine Google with the search term “public speaking fear” and it brought up a great deal of interesting websites pertaining to public speaking. The first one I decided to peruse was 5 Tips to Reduce the Fear of Public Speaking on Psychology Today’s website. I learned that public speaking is the number one fear in America, while the fear of death is second in line. This means that we’re more afraid of speaking in public than we are of dying. I also learned five tips on how to reduce public speaking nervousness. The first one was ‘Don’t Expect Perfection from Yourself.’ No one is perfect but when it comes time to speak in public, some of us pick at every little flaw we think we make. We blow up our imperfections yet ignore the good things. Honestly, though, even the greatest and most experience public speakers can make a lot of mistakes. The difference is, when they do, they’re able to gracefully recover and keep going as if nothing happened. That’s one of the keys to success: keep going gracefully. Most of the time, the audience won’t notice most of your mistakes unless you make them obvious by stopping your speech, breaking down and admitting your mistakes. You just have to carry through with poise and let yourself not be perfect. The second tip was ‘Avoid Equating Public Speaking to Your Self-Worth.’ Basically, if you’re a successful professional who’s worked hard for where they are in life right now, you

Glossophobi Personal Narrative

I am glad to know that public speaking anxiety affects many others and strangely, just by thinking about others struggling with something similar, it reduces my anxiety. I plan to take each assignment from this class and learn as much as possible. Picking an interesting topic, starting research early, and good organization will help to build an effective speech and adequate practice will ensure a clear delivery. I will continue to use deep breathing and incorporate relaxation techniques to help ease the physical symptoms before a speech. Also by practicing often, the material will be familiar and my past speech experience has shown that I will be less stressed. Once again, practicing and working through slip-ups will also reduce

Personal Narrative Analysis

From exploring the Internet to acquiring my classmate's opinion, I came to realize that nothing had worked for me and needed to come up with my own tactics. So, I've adopted the habit of practice until made perfect. This motto that I abide by has been utilized since the early stages of my life. I remember the first time I learned how to ride a bike. At first, I was taught the basic understanding. Then it was all about the enduring practice until I had gained confidence to successfully perform the task. I took what I did in the past, and I applied it to the obstacles that I had found most difficult such as riding a bike. Carrying over the same experience for the twelve-year-old me, I struggled with public speaking for as long as I could have remembered. In order to conquer this phobia, I had practiced speaking in front of the mirror over and over again, until it was simply second-nature to

My Fear of Public Speaking

Many organizations continually search for aspiring professionals with leadership qualities and the ability to effectively speak to fellow professionals, at conferences, seminars, and outside the company environment. However, several professionals who are subject matter experts are terrified if called upon to speak to an audience. What lends to more poignancy to this issue is the fact that the positions of these professionals may be at stake. Several have lost their positions or have been overlooked for promotion because of their inability to deliver effective speeches. Yet, the lack of public speaking skills among promising professionals continues to be a major concern for several organizations.

Speech Outline

O'Hair, D., Rubenstein, H., & Stewart, R. A. (2016). 3/Organization. In A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking (Third ed., pp. 92-121). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, a Macmillan Education Imprint.

Public Speaking Fear

Fear is an activity that emerges from a non desired emotional encounter, and in some cases it emerges from one's imagination. Heights, Animals, and closed spaces are some of the most common feared elements out there, but the truth is, public speaking should be at the top of the list. It’s Glossophobia the actual term for this activity, and many people have a problem trying to overcome this devastating emotion. These kind of emotion can lead people to health issues, such as depression, traumatization.

Process Essay: The Controversy Of Public Speaking

Public speaking is something I’m not afraid or challenged by. Its an easy topic, and it only takes a few things that I have come to know to make a great public speaker. To be successful at public speaking you should make sure your knowing your topic, but it also comes down strong speaking, confidence, and sharing information with your audience that's something they want to hear while keeping it on topic. Public speaking is important to use in any circumstance with a large crowd of people.

Public Speaking Anxiety Vs Psa

After completing the Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety(PSA) and the Communication Apprehension Quiz(CAQ), the results of my scores were both in the moderate level of anxiety range. However, when comparing the two separate assessments of speaking anxiety, it is apparent that the PSA assessment focused its questions on delivering only speeches, whereas the CAQ focused on several different conditions in which one may be communicating. The CAQ writers placed emphasis on simple group discussions, talking at meetings, and delivering speeches.

Public Speaking Class : Overcoming My Fears

Many people have a monumental fear of public speaking. I found the following quote by comedian Jerry Seinfeld quite funny, yet somewhat true. He stated that “according to most studies, people 's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you 're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” (Blogspot, 2013). While this is a hyperbole just to show the answer to survey questions by WebMD, I feel like there is a great truth to the fact that public speaking brings great anxiety to many people, including myself. In fact, this class was the one that I had the most angst about once I saw my schedule. This class and fear of speaking in front of strangers became a ferocious untamed beast that was preying on my mind and self-confidence. It was not so bad when practicing alone, with my friends, family or even my learning team but as soon as the camera was rolling that predatory beast became hungry, tearing at my self-conscious and filling me with doubt and negative thoughts. I became so afraid because I was comparing my performance to my peers rather than trying to be my best version of myself. This was a challenge for me, one that I am determined to overcome. I have embraced this challenge and I know that there are several areas I need to improve upon, some areas that I have experienced individual growth already, and I have

Public Speaking Argument Paper

As an introvert growing up, public speaking was never something I considered taking up; a few years ago, the mere thought of speaking in front of an audience would have terrified me. That, however, changed within a couple of years, solidifying through an event- a tournament held by the National Speech and Debate Association in Dallas, Texas.

Public Speaking Informative Presentation

The most difficult part in presenting to an audience is the anxiety that can happen with public speaking. As David Wallechinsky and Irving Wallace (as cited by Geraldine Hynes, 2016) found out when they conducted a surveyed that consisted of three thousand individuals sharing; they felt more fear of public speaking, then that of dying. Consequently, as nerve racking as public speaking can be, for people to improve their skills, he/she must practice presenting and self-reflection on each of their presentation.

Fear Of Public Speaking In Public

According to a Chapman University survey on American fears, more than twenty-five percent of Americans’ biggest fear is public speaking (Ingraham, 2014). This ranked higher than heights, bugs, snakes, blood, and even dying. So what is it about speaking in public that is scary? And how can one get over this fear? It turns out that “most people tend to be anxious before doing something important in public” (Lucas, 2015, page 9). Being afraid of speaking in public is very common, and many people will never be able to completely overcome the fear of public speaking. However, there are many ways to manage and control this fear.

Exploring Anxiety In Film

Public speaking was a debilitating anxiety that I allowed to obliterate my self-confidence along with my self-esteem and prevented me from accepting opportunities. I lived with this fear, for quite a while, that is until my neighborhood blackout thrust me out of my comfort zone and eventually helped me grow and cope with my anxiety. Consequently, today when I walk out to rooms full of people, whether it is an introduction, hosting an event, or officiating a ceremony, I am always reflecting back to the day I was working at the theater. Going about my day when the blackout occurred. Suddenly, it was all hands on deck, which forced me out of my comfort zone and for the sake of public safety I needed to engage with an auditorium full of strangers

Public Speech In Middle School

Public speaking is a subject most struggle with throughout their entire lives. Many think that after you learn how to public speak through presentations in middle school or high school you just get over how frightening it can be and learn to cope with the struggles of it. In many instances that is true. Depending on where, in schools students usually start public speaking while doing presentations every other week in a middle school class. Then gradually over the years you get more assignments slowly increasing the amount you public speak until you are comfortable to do it alone or for a certain period of time. For some students, like your’s truly, public speaking can be quite nerve racking. The fear of completely failing astronomically. One

Public Speaking Essay

One of America’s biggest fears is public speaking. Public speaking is one of everyone’s biggest fears right there with death and skydiving. It was also one of mine, and yet I have come to love it. My first experience was in front of my ag science 1 class, just like most I failed the first time and have continued to use that experience to grow as an individual and grow to love the idea of public speaking. Every once in awhile you are given a chance you think that you could never make it through. I was given one and looking back on it I am glad that I took it and was able to grow as an individual and learn a lot.

Personal Narrative Speech : Personal Speech

You are tense. Restless. Trembling. The end is near. Heart racing. Lungs chasing. All you have to do is speak. All you can do is think. You have to present in front of the class but your nerves always seems to get the best of you. Does this sound like you? If it does, you’re not alone. Approximately 75% of all Americans suffer from a fear of public speaking or, glossophobia. What is I told you, you could reduce this fear to be comfortable enough to speak in a classroom setting? It’s possible, and today, it’s my story.

Overcoming my Fear of Public Speaking

In this personal narrative, the writer will share their journey of overcoming the fear of public speaking. The essay will describe the challenges faced, strategies employed, and the personal growth experienced through this journey. It will discuss the impact of public speaking anxiety on personal and professional life and how overcoming it can lead to increased confidence and opportunities. The piece will provide insights and tips for others who struggle with similar fears, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-improvement. On PapersOwl, there’s also a selection of free essay templates associated with Anxiety.

How it works

“Jagger, you’re up.” My eighth-grade Social Studies teacher glanced at me with her bespeckled eyes and congenial smile.

My heart raced. My cheeks turned bright red and my body shook as if it were about to cave in. In an attempt to hide my anxiety, I looked away from my peers as I walked toward the podium. A panel of three teachers sat in front of me with concerned looks on their faces, as if my anxiety had manifested itself into some sort of physical being, which was now displayed center stage in front of over thirty of my peers. Need a custom essay on the same topic? Give us your paper requirements, choose a writer and we’ll deliver the highest-quality essay! Order now

The butterflies in my stomach swarmed as if they were alarmed by a predator within my own gastrointestinal system. I opened my mouth and began to speak.

I had meticulously tweaked my speech several times over the past week to ensure I would be less nervous about the presentation. The five index cards allocated to me by my teacher were filled with microscopic notes I had made to ensure I remembered every detail. This effort, unfortunately, proved futile as I quickly lost my train of thought. Maintaining eye contact with my audience turned into me losing my place in my speech several times. Projecting my voice became a laborious act as my voice shook in agony of the task at hand. Midway through my speech, I stopped and left the room.

In light of what happened, I was taunted by my classmates who had much higher expectations of me. Up to this point I had been known to raise my hand in class, weigh in on debates, and ask questions without fear of being judged. It was the thought of standing in front of my classmates and breaking the silence that shook me to my core. I had ideas and beliefs heavy on my mind and no way to release them into the world.

After that day, I thought about my speech and ran through it once more in my head. In doing so, I thought about my discussion of the advancement of America throughout history and the connection I made to my personal motto, “Excelsior”. This word, which I chose to live by after hearing it in the film Silver Linings Playbook, means “onward to greater things”. Inspired by this concept, I realized the irrationality of my fear and from that point on, I did everything in my power to overcome it. In this process, my confidence soared. I jumped at the chance to get in front of my classmates and enthusiastically presented my thoughts whenever I was given the chance. I entered organizations that required public speaking and assumed leadership roles within them. Soon enough, the overbearing feeling I would get before presentations became nothing more than a trivial discomfort. It was as if the ideas I had inside me grew tired of hiding from the world and began to force themselves out of me.

Overcoming my fear of public speaking was a journey of self-improvement and discovery. That fear once kept me from countless leadership and educational opportunities that I now pursue with every chance I am given. I have continued to use my voice as a way to offer new insight into class discussions and to breathe new life into lessons that would be otherwise unstimulating. Doing these things allows me to not only reap more benefits from my education but also to show others who may still be terrified of speaking in front of their classmates that it is okay to come out of their shell. After all, everyone has meaningful opinions to offer, but it takes courage and confidence to express them. How can we possibly hope to change the world if we refuse to let our ideas be heard?

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Essay on Overcoming Fear Of Public Speaking

Students are often asked to write an essay on Overcoming Fear Of Public Speaking in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Overcoming Fear Of Public Speaking

Understanding fear.

Many people get scared when they have to speak in front of others. This fear can make your heart beat fast and your palms sweat. It’s normal to feel this way, but it’s important to remember that everyone can learn to be less afraid.

Practice Makes Perfect

One of the best ways to get over this fear is to practice a lot. You can start by talking in front of a mirror, then with family, and slowly move to bigger groups. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Know Your Stuff

If you know what you’re talking about well, you’ll feel more confident. Take time to learn about your topic. When you understand it, you won’t be as worried about making a mistake.

Think Positive

Try to think good thoughts about speaking. Imagine people enjoying your talk and learning something new. Positive thinking can make a big difference in how you feel.

Breathe and Relax

Before you start speaking, take deep breaths to calm down. Stand up straight and smile. This will make you feel stronger and ready to share your ideas with the audience.

250 Words Essay on Overcoming Fear Of Public Speaking

When we talk about being scared of speaking in front of people, it’s normal. Many people get nervous when they have to talk to a group. This fear can come from not wanting to make a mistake or worrying about what others will think.

Starting Small

One way to beat this fear is to start with small steps. Try talking in front of friends or family first. It’s like learning to swim by first staying in the shallow part of the pool. As you get more comfortable, you can move to deeper water, or in this case, bigger groups.

Preparation Is Key

Being ready can help a lot. Know what you want to say. Practice it many times. When you know your topic well, you feel more confident. It’s like having a map when you go on a trip. If you know the way, you’re less likely to get lost.

Imagine Success

Think about doing well. Picture the audience listening and smiling. It’s like dreaming about scoring a goal in soccer. When you think about good things happening, it can make them more likely to happen.

Just Breathe

Before you speak, take deep breaths. This helps calm your body. It’s like taking a break when you’re running. Breathing gives you a moment to relax and get ready.

Keep Practicing

The more you speak in public, the easier it gets. It’s like riding a bike. At first, you might fall, but soon you can ride without thinking about it. Keep trying, and one day you might even enjoy speaking to a crowd!

500 Words Essay on Overcoming Fear Of Public Speaking

Understanding fear of public speaking.

Many people get nervous when they have to talk in front of a group. This fear is very common, and it’s called the fear of public speaking. When we stand up to speak to an audience, we might worry that we will forget what to say, not make sense, or that people will not like our talk. This fear can make our heart beat fast, our hands shake, and our voice sound shaky.

One way to get better at public speaking is to start with small steps. You could begin by talking in front of a mirror, then move on to speaking in front of a few friends or family members. As you get more comfortable, you can speak to bigger groups. This is like learning to swim by first getting used to water in a small pool before jumping into a big one.

Preparing Well

Being ready can help you feel less scared. If you know your topic well, you will feel more confident. Spend time writing down what you want to say and practice it many times. You can also learn about your audience, so you can talk about things they like or understand. Knowing your stuff makes you ready to answer questions, too.

Using Tools and Techniques

There are tools and tricks that can make public speaking easier. For example, you can use pictures or slides to show your ideas. This can help the audience understand better and give you things to talk about. Breathing exercises can also calm you down before you start speaking. Taking deep breaths fills your body with oxygen and helps your brain work better.

Learning from Others

Watching other people who are good at public speaking can teach you a lot. You can see how they stand, how they use their hands, and how they talk to the audience. There are videos and talks online that you can watch. You can also join a club at school where you can practice speaking and get tips from others.

Turning Fear into Excitement

The feelings of fear and excitement are very similar. Both can make your heart race and your energy go up. You can try to think of your fear as excitement. Tell yourself that you are excited to share your ideas, not scared. This can change how you feel and make speaking in front of others more fun.

Getting Feedback and Improving

After you speak in public, ask for feedback from people you trust. They can tell you what you did well and what you can do better next time. Remember that making mistakes is okay. Each time you speak, you learn and get better.

Overcoming the fear of public speaking takes time and practice. By starting small, getting ready, using helpful tools, learning from others, turning fear into excitement, and getting feedback, you can become more comfortable speaking in front of others. Remember, even the best speakers were once beginners, too. With patience and practice, you can beat the fear and maybe even start to enjoy public speaking!

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Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

Category: Life , Sociology , Psychology
Topic: Fear , Personal Life , Phobias

Pages: 1 (647 words)

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