Is There a Cure to Public Speaking Fear?

Consumer Note: I am in no way advocating the usage of this product. I am only providing my thoughts on the creation of such a product and what people can do for themselves without relying on tablets.

A pill has been released that claims to be a public speaking cure. Bravina is a combination of 9 different herbal ingredients including Gingko Biloba and St. John’s Wort. The website says that it aides with relaxation and concentration. Ultimately to help you overcome the fears of public speaking.

While it’s all well and good that people have attempted to create a public speaking cure, I don’t believe that there is a “magic pill” that you can take to alleviate your public speaking fears.

You might be able to pop a pill 1 to 2 hours before you’re due to speak and face the crowd in a relaxed manner, but what if you’re using a microphone and it breaks? Then what? Can the pill help you then?

What about if your PowerPoint crashes, the pill can help you out then can it? What happens if you go blank? You’ll have no fear, but no speech as well? Lack of a speech will create its own problems.

How do you overcome the fears of public speaking then?

I was also actually quite surprised that on the FAQs page there isn’t any mention of any potential side effects to taking the drug. Even though it’s a combination of herbal ingredients one or a combination may cause a problem.

I think that much of your public speaking fear can be dealt with through prior preparation. You have to know what to do in those scenarios where things go wrong, so that you can truly overcome the fears of public speaking. It’s not having a lack of fear, it’s having confidence. The confidence to be able to think on your feet and find a solution to any problems that may arise. That comes through preparation and experience.

How do you get experience? Well, I’m afraid that ultimately you have to get up in front of an audience no matter how small. So you could start with a couple of family members or friends. It’s the sheer fact of getting in front of people and practising that can help your experience and confidence level soar.

The more you get in front of a crowd, any crowd at all, the more your stage comfort will improve. I think that’s the best and most lasting public speaking cure that you can find.

Here are 5 confidence tips that can set you on the path so that you can overcome the fears of public speaking without pills:

1. Memorise your Opening – knowing how you’re going to open your presentation will allow you to start strong and confidently without you fumbling around not knowing how to begin.

2. Know Your Equipment – find out how it all works and know what to do in the event of a system failure. There are a few basic quirks that you can absolutely handle yourself without involving the I.T. Department.

3. Meet Your Audience – is it possible for you to mix and mingle with members of your audience prior to speaking to them? Once you’ve found out a little bit about them and shaken some hands, you can then look for those familiar faces when you present.

4. Act as if you are Confident – be clear on what confidence looks like to you. Make sure that you don’t confuse confidence with arrogance, that can come about through youth for example. Once you know how a confidence person acts, act as if you are that person or act as if you are confident. The more you fake it, the sooner you’ll make it. Eventually it will become real for you.

5. Avoid Caffeine – caffeine, found in tea, coffee and a umber of soft drinks, makes you agitated and increases any anxiety you might have. Eat bananas, the provide energy and the potassium helps relax muscles. Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated, but make sure you go to the bathroom before you start!

(Please note: I have provided a link to Bravina’s website not because I advocate taking it, but to provide with the information that inspired this post)

Here’s some additional insight to stage fright by my comedy mentor Steve Roye. Check out his post Do You Constantly Battle With Stage Fright?

Tagged with: Public Speaking • Public Speaking Skills

Filed under: Public Speaking Fear

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