Almost twenty years ago, when Market America was still in it’s embryo stage, my husband JR, who had experience speaking in front of crowds, was continuously promoting our products and business to small and large groups of people. As our company started to grow so did the need for additional speakers and that’s when JR asked me to speak at our next meeting. As it turns out, the first time I got on stage, I fainted… Yes, it’s true…I fainted the first time I was in front of a crowd of 40 people! 40 people may not seem like a lot, but I had no experience and I was a little scared. I had never talked in front of so many people. JR knew that this might happen, so he encouraged me to get up and face my fears. Ever since that time, I have let go of my fear of public speaking and now present in front of 25,000 people at least twice per year. I learned how to let go of my fears and to believe that I am capable of doing anything that I put my mind to. So how do you overcome your fears? What are you afraid of? Here are a few ways to overcoming your fears.
Believe in yourself. Know that you are capable of doing anything and everything you put your mind to. You would be surprised how far a little belief will take you.
Be prepared. If there is one thing I’ve learned through out my experiences is to be prepared. Before a meeting, presentation, exam or anything you are scared of prepare yourself. It is better to be prepared than unprepared.
Practice, practice, practice. As they say practice makes perfect. Anytime before a presentation or a meeting I make sure to practice in front of my friends and family. I practice in front of the mirror, while taking a shower or while going for a run. No matter what I make sure to practice my speech.
Research. If you are ever in a situation in where you have an important meeting, an interview or a networking event, it is important to to know what or who your key players are.
Need more ways to overcome your fears? Send me a tweet @lorenridinger or drop me a comment below.
