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The mere thought of public speaking used to send me into a panic. I mean serious panic - sweaty palms, rapid breathing, butterflies in the stomach, and dry mouth. I avoided public speaking like the plague. I was certainly not alone. Public speaking has been one of the tops fears of Americans for a long time. Whether it is a presentation in a small meeting or in front of a large group, most people feel some level of fear. Unfortunately, your fear of public speaking may be holding you back from success. The good news is that you can learn to be more comfortable in front of an audience. While I was once terrified of public speaking, it is now my favorite thing to do! I figure that if I can get over my fear of public speaking then you can too. Here are some tips to help you overcome this fear.

Keep it real. It is important to be genuine and authentic during a presentation. When you are true to yourself you will be better able to connect with the audience. If you are nervous, try admitting it up front rather than trying to hide it. Remember that your audience is filled with people who share the same fear. They will likely empathize with you and cheer you on. I remember the first time I tried this – as soon as I mentioned that I was nervous, I immediately felt more relaxed. Being authentic also means finding your own style of speaking. Play with different styles and methods to see what feels right to you. Don’t try to mimic someone else – just be yourself.