How to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking

Whether in person or over video, these three truths will help overcome nerves when you have to have to give a presentation.

You’ve probably heard it said that public speaking ranks as the #1 fear among Americans. While I find it hard to believe that most people would choose skydiving or petting a tarantula over giving a speech, fear of public speaking (also known as glossophobia) is the most common form of social phobia. And based on what I see and hear from my coaching clients, I’d have to say that nothing makes people quake in their boots quite like having to present themselves and their ideas to others.

You don’t have to stand on a stage in front of a sea of faces to feel nervous. Even speaking up in a meeting, including Zoom meetings, can create performance anxiety. In fact, some people find video calls more distressing than in-person interactions because it can feel like you and your personal life are under a microscope for everyone to examine. Regardless of the specifics, you can probably think of at least one time in your life where you felt uneasy in front of a group.

Why? What’s the big deal? What’s so scary about talking to people?

What it all comes down to is this: The fear of death.