With respect, it occurs to me that labelling "public speaking" as the No. 1 Fear is about as counterproductive as it gets. And please don't think I'm getting personal, because I see it all the time.
As someone who has been in training and education for over three decades I've done a fair number of public speaking gigs, to children of around 11, through to graduates and business people at all levels.
Did I start out brilliant?
No.
Did I EXPECT to be brilliant straight away?
No.
Did I get better as time went by?
Yes.
Did I expect to get better as time went by?
Yes.
Am I brilliant now?
Modesty forbids
Far too many people fear they won't be much cop first time out, completely fulfil their self-prophesy and use this as a reason never to take another chance.
- Start out with realistic expectations.
- Look for regular improvement rather than 0-120 in 6 seconds.
- Treat EVERY event as a learning experience.
- Run a check after EVERY event on what went well - no matter how minor it may seem - and what you could improve.
- If you REALLY don't want to give a presentation DON'T FORCE IT. And don't wait till the last moment to turn it down. A few of us thrive on walking on a knife edge, for most people it's trying to fight their fear without really knowing how to do it effectively that leaves them feeling like they have PTSD.
Oh, and you could get a copy of my book - it's very reasonably priced!
Hope this is of some use
Andy B.