Stage Fright

Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking more commonly known as Stage Fright

The most important thing to remember is that stage fright is normal. Stage fright is a sign that you want to do a good job. Even professional actors suffer from stage fright but they have learned how to channel that energy in a positive way.

Common Symptoms of Stage Fright
Dry mouth
Tight throat
Sweaty, cold, or shaky hands
Nausea
Tight muscles

Dealing with Stage Fright
There is an old joke that goes like this: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Answer: Practice, Practice, Practice

That answer is the simplest way to deal with stage fright. The more comfortable you are with the material the easier it is to do a good job. Here are some other suggestions:

1. Know your stuff! The best thing you can do is to be thoroughly prepared. Much of the fear comes from wondering if you will make a mistake, or if the audience will know more than you. There is one sure way to beat that and that is by knowing your material inside and out.

2. Focus on getting through the first minute. That is where the problem lies. Rarely do you see someone who seems fearful all the way through his or her presentation, do you? No, they settle in and get comfortable after a while.

3. Breathe! Fear is a bodily reflex and one that you can overcome. When you get afraid, you start to breathe in short, fast breaths. Before you speak, or while you are being introduced, you should sit quietly and breathe slow, deep breaths.

4. Tell yourself that the world won’t fall apart if you do a rotten job. Face it; unless you are delivering the State of the Union Address, the world will keep right on revolving if you don’t do well.

5. Understand that you are your own worst critic. Most people aren’t going to come to your presentation with the goal of picking you apart. So you shouldn’t pick yourself apart either.

6. Understand that most of the people in the audience would be scared to death to give a speech too, and are glad that it is you and not them! For the occasional speaker, it is okay to say, "Excuse my nerves, I am not used to this." When I hear that, I root for the guy, not cut him apart

7. Think positive. Most people are very good at imagining all the things that could go wrong but very few think about the things that could go well. Many professional athletes incorporate this idea in a process called visualization. Picture your speech going well and this will train your mind for success.