Surveys have shown that over 95% of the population has some type of public speaking anxiety or discomfort when speaking in front of people. Below are some of the common fears with tips on how to lessen these fears.

1. Fear of going blank

• Use briefer notes. The goal is white space, not a page full of sentences. Your notes should look like a grocery list, quadruple spaced.
• Practice speaking from key concepts and coming from experience.
• Take notes with you even if you don't plan to use them.
• Don't memorize - realize.

2. Fear of not making sense

• Begin with the end in mind. What is the purpose of this talk? Condense your purpose until it can be written in your normal handwriting onto the back of a business card.
• Rehearse the vague parts with someone prior to presenting.
• Survey the audience ahead of time on their needs and concerns.
• Use more visual props, samples and demonstrations - 70% of what we remember is received visually.

3. Fear of looking nervous

• 90% of most physical symptoms of nervousness never show.
• Physical warm-ups help relax muscles and release excessive adrenaline.
• Breathe!
• Remember - our fears are always more numerous than our dangers.

4. Fear of being boring

• Tune-in to the favorite radio station of your audience, W.I.I.F.M. (What's In It For Me).
• A slide with a company logo and six lines of text is not a visual aid.
• Avoid long monologues. Establish a dialog with the audience.
• Check on your game face. Even a neutral look in interpreted as negative.

Keeping these tips in mind as you prepare to give your presentation will help keep you focused on getting your message across, rather than on how you look.

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