Fear of Public Speaking
Words are a powerful force. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble. When we use them accurately, we can create innumerable amounts of possibilities. We can inspire, infuse, motivate and make people and situations progress.
At the same time when we do not feel comfortable with the use of words, especially in public situations, when we do not feel at ease with them, when we fear them they become our disadvantage that swallows our confidence, pride, and sincerity. Additionally, it might greatly affect the outcome of the opportunity given to us. Even the profound knowledge and ideas we might possess on a certain subject could be greatly compromised by not being able to reveal them accurately and flawlessly. Numerous people have genuine knowledge and experience but do not know how to communicate it to others.
When faced with public speaking, public presentation, or any kind of verbal and non-verbal demonstration in front of an audience, many people instantly experience feelings of fear, panic, anxiety, or distress. The sole thought of being placed in front of a group of people and having to deliver a speech, lecture, or some other kind of presentation evokes in most of us uneasiness that we cannot control. Even though there is often no rational reason to feel that way, even if most of the time we are very comfortable on the subject we need to talk about, the thought of being listened to, watched, and judged by others makes us shiver and block.
There are several explanations and theories as to why fear arises, and there might be different reasons for everyone to feel that way. The causes, circumstances, and contexts are numerous and most of the time we cannot change them. But what we can change is our attitude towards fear. Therefore, it is essential to acquire some insight, understanding, and knowledge. It is important to know that we can learn to work with what obstructs us and by accepting it, discover limitless possibilities within ourselves.