Public Speaking: Overcoming the Fear

By Valarie R. Austin, March 29th, 2024, 1:30 PM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

Regrettably, the lack of public speaking courses in many middle and high schools allows students to avoid this necessary skill. In the U.S., numerous students are often treated as passive recipients of knowledge by their teachers. These students journey through each grade level until high school graduation and remain unseen and unheard in the classroom. Consequently, the fear of drawing attention and speaking in public can develop into a debilitating phobia known as glossophobia. According to the National Social Anxiety Center (NSAC), glossophobia is characterized by “a deep-seated anxiety about being judged or negatively evaluated by others.” In my book, “The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons,” I emphasize that individuals tend to prefer undergoing a root canal rather than addressing a group of people. In fact, NASC ranks glossophobia among the most common fears, surpassing even the fear of death, spiders, or heights. Public speaking anxiety often stems from a fear of the unknown, which, although irrational, holds significant power as it magnifies the fear of speaking in front of an audience. A 2023 CrossRiverTherapy.com online article asserted that glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, affects a staggering “200 million or 75% of the U.S. population.” Teens are uniquely susceptible to public speaking anxiety because often they are under stress to respond to a question without having the tools to succeed. Over time, the impact of this fear can be detrimental to a young person's academic success and self-esteem.

It is essential for adolescents to participate in structured, supportive public speaking activities to boost their confidence and self-esteem. Young adults should be introduced to public speaking at an early age just like they are initiated to various healthy foods, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts. Ultimately, like eating vegetables, becoming familiar with public speaking is beneficial for their personal growth. Psycom.net offers two valuable tips to overcome the fear of public speaking: preparation and practice. By participating in classroom instruction, library programs, and other similar activities, students can learn the art of delivering speeches, conducting research, organizing their thoughts, and responding to impromptu questions. Another avenue for teens to enhance their public speaking skills and boost their confidence is by participating in competitive debate teams, school clubs, sports teams, student government, or additional extracurricular leadership opportunities. Confidence stems from the belief in one's competence and abilities to accomplish a given task. As young people experience success and progress, they will gradually develop the mindset of "I can handle this" when faced with speaking in public. Exceptional communicators are not born with innate skills but rather acquire the necessary verbal abilities to inspire and influence others. Cited by Forbes online, Warren Buffet stated in an interview, "If you can't effectively communicate and convey your ideas to others, you're limiting your potential." In essence, individuals lacking proficiency in verbal communication may miss out on numerous opportunities to shine in front of an audience.

People are naturally drawn to confident leaders who possess strong communication skills. Effective communication enables individuals to express their thoughts and ideas clearly to others. Whether college students or new employees, their ability to communicate with peers, professors, and supervisors is crucial. In such situations, remaining silent is not advantageous. For example, many college professors give participation points to students who actively contribute to classroom discussions. Students who choose not to participate miss out on an opportunity to showcase their leadership and communication skills. Professors are more likely to write letters of recommendation for internships or graduate programs when they remember the requesting students who actively participated in class. Therefore, students who excel in public speaking are more likely to achieve academic success and open up more opportunities for themselves. Additionally, mastering public speaking can enhance problem-solving skills. Communication involves active problem-solving, as individuals must analyze questions and provide thoughtful responses. Some people may struggle to respond to questions in front of a group, even if they are knowledgeable on the subject. In contrast, skilled public speakers can listen attentively, consider different replies, and confidently deliver the best answer. In various fields such as politics, education, and the news media, those with strong public speaking abilities can inspire confidence in their audience through their answers. In business, the military and other industries, effective communication through speeches, presentations, or stories can pave the way for greater recognition, rewards, and career advancement.

Teens and young adults can develop their public speaking skills by practicing and preparing for the experience. They should take advantage of public speaking opportunities through participation in extracurricular activities or enrolling in communication workshops/courses. There are numerous lucrative career fields for talented communicators. Companies seek individuals who can effectively convey their ideas and motivate others to support their vision. All young people should master the techniques required to address an audience. Proficient public speaking skills are indispensable. I challenge young people to begin with small steps, such as speaking up in class, to enhance their confidence and showcase their intelligence. You can do it!

 

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students, parents and transitioning military members. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. Copyright 2024, Vauboix Publishing LLC. (Article 2 of 5, spring 2024)