Episode 18: Advice for Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

October 31, 2024

Building strong relationships is essential for effective teamwork and successful problem-solving. One common challenge among students is their fear of public speaking, particularly when preparing to present their solutions to judges. My team members often seek advice on managing this fear. I usually explain that while they may not completely eliminate it, there are effective strategies to cope with this fear. Drawing from my own experience of delivering thousands of lectures and public speaking engagements over the past 25 years, I have identified four basic techniques that have proven helpful for me and have been adopted by many of my former team members:

1. Acceptance of the Fear: Acknowledge that fear is a natural response.
2. Preparation: Be well-prepared for your presentation.
3. Breathing to Relax: Use deep breathing techniques to calm your nerves.
4. Be Yourself: Authenticity can make a significant difference.

These four points are based on the reading I have done and my experiences over the past twenty years, combined with feedback from the students I’ve worked with. While they are not exhaustive, these suggestions have proven effective for many members of my teams. As a coach, my goal is to avoid overwhelming the case-solver. They are already busy implementing feedback on their presentations, learning to use their toolkit, collaborating as a team, and deepening their understanding of potential case topics. Therefore, my advice needs to be straightforward and easily actionable.

Acceptance of Fear

Recognising that fear is a natural response is essential; it will always be present. As we gain more experience, the intensity of fear may lessen, but it will never fully disappear. I believe that if fear were to vanish completely, something might be wrong. For me, managing my fear keeps me alert and is a crucial part of my presentations. This is evident with students who struggled or barely survived their first public speaking experience. Many of them have confided that accepting their fear was one of their biggest hurdles. Interestingly, many of these students have gone on to make public speaking a key element of their careers.

Preparation

Preparation can mean different things in various situations and to different people. For me, being prepared means having a clear starting point for my presentation and knowing the key messages I want to convey. I use my slide deck or mental notes as cues to what I talk about while staying alert to the time remaining. Some students opt to write scripts, which they refer to as a guide, rather than reading directly from them. Most students I have coached memorise the first few sentences to help overcome initial jitters.

Breathing to Relax

Before I begin speaking, I take a few deep breaths. This simple technique is incredibly helpful. While doing this, I also rehearse my opening thoughts, which prepares me to start confidently. Feedback from my students indicates that they find this practice beneficial as well.

Be Yourself

It's important to present yourself authentically and to be true to who you are. Too often, speakers try to be someone or something they are not. Let your personality come through, and in a team presentation, take on the position that most suits you. Remember, not everyone is the opener and may be better suited to deliver the details of the solution. By keeping this in mind, individuals can improve their presentation skills and manage their nerves more effectively.