Please Note:

I now have 3 blogs and I hope you will take a look
at all of them and you will find them of help.---

http://assertivenesssucceeds.blogspot.com ---about self-esteem and how it relates to assertiveness and success in life

http://closingsalessuccessfully.blogspot.com ---about steps successful salespeople use to close more sales

http://successful-nofear-speaking.blogspot.com ---about eliminating fear of public speaking and being a more polished speaker

 

Out, out, Damn Fear of Public Speaking,
as Shakespeare almost, but not quite, said
---or Toastmasters could be the answer for you


The fear of public speaking is called glossophobia (from the Greek γλῶσσα glōssa, meaning tongue, and φόβος phobos, fear or dread). It is more commonly known as stage fright.

Prevalence
It is believed to be the single most common phobia, affecting as much as 75% of all people. When ranked among fears, it generally is the number one fear, even surpassing fear of death. Glossophobia is considered a social phobia and may be linked to, or sometimes precede, a more severe anxiety disorder. Several talented and successful musicians have the fear of publicly performing, including Barbra Streisand and Dusty Springfield. Joey Jordison of Slipknot, on the Disasterpieces DVD, can be seen vomiting backstage, presumably as a result of stage fright.
Note: one of the best ways of countering stage fright is simply visualizing yourself speaking to a friend,
maybe on a beautiful serene beach, instead of seeing yourself as the center or target of all eyes

Symptoms include:

* intense anxiety prior to, or simply at the thought of having to verbally communicate with any group,
* avoidance of events which focus the group's attention on individuals in attendance,
* physical distress, nausea, or feelings of panic in such circumstances.

Many people report stress-induced speech disorders which are only present during public speech. Some glossophobics have been able to dance or perform in public as long as they do not have to speak, or even speak or sing as long as they cannot see the audience.
Note: the thinking about anxiety before an audience need to be opposed as negative thinking, sort of
the same way you countered the fear you felt the first time you dove off a high board or skied down
a steep slope---fear and the overcoming of it is surprisingly equal when you force discipline into your thinking

Causes

The root cause of glossophobia, although occasionally unknown, can usually be attributed to either:

* a single or multiple traumatic incidents, usually experienced personally but sometimes associated with someone who has,

or

* a slow build-up from avoiding public speaking over time until it builds into a more severe form of glossophobia.


Help and relief

Some organizations, such as Toastmasters International, and training courses in public speaking may help to reduce the fear to manageable levels. Self-help materials that address public speaking are among the best selling self-help topics. Some affected people have turned to certain types of drugs, typically beta-blockers to temporarily treat their phobia.

 

Because no-fear public speaking and successful assertiveness

relate to self-esteem and self-confidence,

today I am suggesting books closely related to those topics by two of my favorite authors:

Gayle and Hugh Prather

Morning Notes by Hugh Prather

The Little Book of Letting Go by Hugh Prather

Shining Through by Hugh Prather

Spiritual Notes to Myself by Hugh Prather

How to Live in the World and Still Be Happy by Hugh Prather


I Will Never Leave You by Gayle and Hugh Prather

Spiritual Parenting by Gayle and Hugh Prather

Notes to Myself by Hugh Prather

Perhaps, you've heard or read about the Forbes magazine editor who presented peer-reviewed research showing unhappiness on the part of married women if they earn more than their husbands. The husbands, according to the research, were also unhappy.
Certainly this doesn't hold true for all married couples. You can check out the link to the article in my links in the sidebar and see what you think.

I feel an important point is that, when both partners are fearless enough to say how they feel about these and other marital or relationship issues, there is a better chance that difficulties can be resolved through honest and open communication.

That is a large part of what this blog is about, and I hope that this information, showing you how speaking without fear in personal communication, as well as public, will be helpful to you at home and at work and elsewhere.

 

Today's Blog contains an article
that gives specific ways to calm
the nerves, quiet the fear when
you have a speech or presentation
to make.

There are also quotes to help you
and books that will make a difference
for you.

Don't miss the article discussing the
main fear: FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN
"As human beings, we tend to be more afraid
of what we don't know."

Take another look at the important piece
entitled "Act As If", something to remember.

 

 

 

 

Reminder

Not only great books and quotes that will diminish
the Fear, but also an article, which deserves to be
read at least twice:

Act As If.

Whether public speaking or personal and private
conversation, if you Act As If you can do it, succeed,
then you probably can.

New articles, quotes and books coming the week of August 21.
Stay tuned.

Books to help Overcome the Fear


How to Conquer the Fear of Public Speaking and Other Coronary Threats

by Max D. Isaacson, Farnsworth Pub Co. (1984) $12.00

Gives step-by-step instructions for healthier self-esteem through better oral communication, with quotes, stories and helpful suggestions.


101 Secrets of Highly Effective Speakers: Controlling Fear, Commanding Attention

by Carol Rae Krannich, Impact Publications (1998) $12.99

Shows how to develop speaking skills and ability to communicate ideas.


7 Steps to Fearless Speaking

by Lilyan Wilder, John Wiley & Sons (1999) $11.96

Seven-step program for improving oral communication skills, with sound advice on how to overcome the inhibition of public speaking.

 

 

 

Audio tapes on speaking

The following are selected audio cassettes that may help increase your speaking skills. You can purchase them through Amazon.com or from your local book or audio store.

Fear of speaking tapes

Speaking Without Fear or Nervousness
by Helen Sutton, Career Track Publications & Fred Pryor Seminars (1997) $12.76
Audio cassette tells how to conquer anxieties and uncover self-defeating thoughts by replacing them with positive expectations.

Smart Speaking: 60 Second Strategies for Speaking Problems & Fears
by Laurie Schloff and Marcia Yudkin, Penguin Audiobooks (1993) $11.00
Audio cassette with tips on getting rid of the fear of speaking.

Communication tapes

Talk Your Way to Success: Wilder Method for Effective Business Communication
by Lilyan Wilder, Simon & Schuster Audio (1996) $9.60
Audio cassette on methods to improve public and business speaking skills.

Speaking Effective English: Your Guide to Acquiring New Confidence in Personal and Professional Communication
by Zoller, Watkins, Lampman and Asner, Simon & Schuster Audio (1999) $15.30
Audio cassette of advice from three voice coaches on improving speaking skills and overcoming problems.

 

Please Note:

I now have 3 blogs and I hope you will take a look
at all of them and you will find them of help.

http://backbebetter.blogspot.com ---about the relief of back, other pain

http://assertivenesssucceeds.blogspot.com ---about self-esteem and how it relates to assertiveness and success in life

http://successful-nofear-speaking.blogspot.com ---about eliminating fear of public speaking and being a more polished speaker

 

 

 

 

 

Today's To Do List

• Remember that most people have fears about public speaking, but FDR said, we have nothing to fear but fear itself.
• If you can think of a speech as a gift you are giving to people you like, it may be possible to relax more about the giving.
• Practicing a speech across from a friend, then in front of a mirror, frequently lessens the fears of speaking in public.