Fear and anxiety arise in the minds of otherwise competent and confident people when they hear the words "public speaking." Does the prospect of speaking in front of a group make you nervous, sweaty, and your heart race? You most likely have glossophobia, or a fear of public speaking.

One of the most common fears is glossophobia. Why bother overcoming your public speaking jitters when there are so many other ways to increase your business exposure? Taking the stage not only establishes you as an expert in your field, but it also provides easy referrals and increased sales opportunities.

You can overcome your fear and feel confident in front of your audience. I've seen the technique work for hundreds of people in my training workshops. It's wonderful to see their joy - and relief. Here's a

synopsis:

• Turn your emotional attention away from yourself and toward the audience.

• Make it clear that you want them to understand your message.

• Begin Small

Start small if you're new to the world of public speaking. Find a few friends and family members to practice with. Begin by speaking to smaller groups and work your way up. The size of the audience is irrelevant. Your fear of public speaking will quickly vanish if you are well-versed in your subject.

Introduce yourself to a few members of the audience in the front row before your public speaking on stage. Look these people in the eyes during your presentation to calm your nerves and connect with your audience.

• Thoroughly prepare

Knowing your material will help you overcome your fear of public speaking. The ability to connect with your audience stems from the assurance that you will not become disoriented during your presentation. Before the big speech, practice it several times. Time your presentation and always have backup material on hand in case time runs out.

• Don't Just Remember the Words

Mastering the art of public speaking does not come from memorizing your entire speech word for word. The true professionals know their material by recalling key points and prompts on subtopics and examples to cover.

• Avoid Using Common Bullets

The vast majority of business presentations and speeches are tedious monologues with endless PowerPoint slides and bullet points. Remove the PowerPoint presentation and make your material the focus of the presentation. If you must use PowerPoint, make use of visuals that quickly convey your message.

• Change your emotional focus.

Your emotional focus is on yourself when you are concerned about speaking and what the audience will think of you. You may blame your fear on the audience, but this shifts your emotional focus to you and your survival. It implies that you prioritize yourself over your audience. They are always aware. They dislike it. They sympathize, but they see you as untrustworthy.

The one minute before your stage entrance is the most terrifying part of any presentation. To reduce stress and build confidence, use the strategy of elite athletes by visualizing a positive outcome and deep belly breathing.

• Consider only one thing at a time.

Use the fact that the human brain can only focus on one thing at a time to your advantage. We do not and cannot multitask. The notion that we can has been thoroughly debunked. Although raising children appears to be multitasking, the exhausted adult mind is simply darting from one demand to the next. You don't believe me? Immerse yourself in a favorite activity the next time you have a superficial but painful injury - a cut, a graze, a bruise - especially if it requires attention to detail. It's one of the most effective pain relievers available.

• Ask the appropriate questions

So, let us put an end to the agony of public speaking. Ask yourself, "Why am I here?" I'm here for the audience, has to be the answer. What am I doing here? I'm here to deliver a message, must be the answer. Consider deliberately replacing fear-filled thoughts (I'm not a speaker / I'll mess it up / I'll forget what I'm saying) with thoughts like, I really want you to get this message / It's critical that you understand this / You must get this. Don't just recite the words; feel your attention and priorities shift from yourself to the audience.

• Involve the Audience

Making a monologue presentation places the entire burden of informing and entertaining the audience on your shoulders. To avoid boredom and speak with ease, make your talk a two-way interaction with questions and participation. Having the group involved also allows you to reorganize your thoughts if they become disorganized.

How can I make it clear that I want them to understand what I'm saying?

Intentionally speak with a little more vigor. Look from one person to the next with a little more urgency. Allow your expression to demonstrate how interesting and important your message is. Such speakers have a high level of credibility and believability. Such speakers take pleasure in speaking.

Just one more thing. If your brain has long been wired for fear, it may resist this technique simply because it requires rewiring. So, first, test it on a trusted colleague and get feedback on how it goes.

Make public speaking a part of your marketing strategy to increase your company's success. Your fear will fade with time, and you will wonder why you did not begin sooner.