Reflecting on My Biggest Personal Achievement: Overcoming My Fear of Public Speaking
Growing up, and even into my early professional career, standing up in front of a crowd to deliver a speech was my worst nightmare. I struggled with public speaking anxiety and always tried to avoid any situation that would require me to speak in front of others. But several years ago, I decided that I needed to tackle this fear head-on if I wanted to succeed in my career. Here is how I overcame my fear of public speaking and some tips for others who may be struggling with the same issue.
My Journey to Overcoming Public Speaking Fear
It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight, but I eventually found the courage to conquer my fear of public speaking. Here are the steps I took:
1. Acknowledge the fear
The first step to overcoming any fear is to acknowledge it exists. I had to accept that I had a fear of public speaking and that this fear was holding me back from achieving my goals. Once I acknowledged this, I was able to start taking steps to overcome it.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice
The only way to get better at public speaking is to practice. So, I started seeking out opportunities to speak in front of small groups. I would practice my speeches in front of friends or family members and ask for their feedback. I also joined a public speaking club, where I could practice in a safe and supportive environment.
3. Focus on the Message
One of the biggest reasons for my public speaking anxiety was that I was so focused on myself and how I was being perceived. I had to learn to shift my focus to the message I wanted to deliver. By putting the message first, I was able to communicate more effectively, and the anxiety eventually started to fade.
4. Embrace the Nerves
It’s natural to feel nervous before a public speaking engagement. Instead of fighting the nerves, I learned to embrace them. I started telling myself that nerves were a sign that I cared about what I was doing. I also started doing some breathing exercises before I went on stage, which helped to calm my nerves.
Conclusion
Overcoming my fear of public speaking was a significant personal achievement for me. It took time, effort, and a lot of practice, but the reward was worth it. Today, I can confidently speak in front of a large audience, and it’s all thanks to the steps I took to conquer my fear. If you’re struggling with public speaking anxiety, know that you are not alone, and it is possible to overcome it. By acknowledging the fear, practicing, focusing on the message, and embracing the nerves, you too can become a confident and effective public speaker.
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