“PEOPLE WOULD RATHER STAND NAKED WHILE ON FIRE, OVERLOOKING
a 30-story fall, covered with spiders and snakes than give a speech,” joked one of my students. The fear associated with presenting in front of others is pervasive and problematic. The Book of Lists has repeatedly reported that the fear of speaking in public is the most frequent answer to the question “What scares you most?” In fact, 85% of Americans report moderate to extreme anxiety when speaking publicly – be it a sales pitch, classroom speech, or toast.Why is fear of speaking always rated so much higher than other fears and phobias? And, more important, how can you manage and reduce this ubiquitous fear while learning to communicate in a more clear and compelling manner? This website serves as a resource for those wishing to communicate in a more authentic, clear, concise and engaging manner.
Public speaking creates anxiety for most people. Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting is an easy-to-read pocket book containing practical anxiety management techniques that are based on scientifically supported theory and evidence.
Readers are encouraged to explore the anxiety management tools through specific “Try This” guidance provided for each technique. After reading this book, readers will be more confident, calm, and competent speakers. Read More
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Concerned about an upcoming question and answer session? Anxious about being asked to provide your thoughts during a meeting? Fearful of being required to present your hour-long business proposal in 20 minutes?
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You most certainly have had the unfortunate opportunity to sit through a boring, unorganized virtual presentation (webinar, teleconference, or video call) in which the speaker droned on seemingly aimlessly.
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Presenters often express the dual fear of forgetting what they intend to say and having their audience forget what they heard. Clearly, these worries are related. Check out our useful articles by Matt Abrahams.
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