For many Canadians, success is dependent on their ability to effectively and efficiently present their ideas to others, yet the stress of speaking in public has left many people visibly shaken, nauseated and tongue-tied.

Glossophobia or speech anxiety is the fear of public speaking and is typified by a relentless fear of being watched or judged by others. The word glossophobia comes from the Greek glMssa, meaning tongue, and phobos, fear or dread. It is believed to be the single most common phobia (even out ranking death at #7 or being exposed in public)  affecting as much as 75% of the population. As Jerry Seinfeld observes, "The average person at a funeral would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy."

Recent studies have revealed that social phobias are more prevalent than has been previously believed. One on-line poll of 13956 respondents has found that 80% are very to slightly uncomfortable speaking in public. Another recent study by Stein, Walker and Forde from the University of Manitoba concluded that more than one-third of their respondents reported that they had excessive anxiety when they spoke to a large audience and that for more than half of these people the fears were well engrained before they were 13 years old. (90% by the age of 20) These relentless fears included: doing or saying something embarrassing (64%), one's mind going blank (74%), being unable to continue talking (63%), saying foolish things or not making sense (59%), and trembling, shaking, or showing other signs of anxiety (80%). 10% of the respondents reported that public-speaking anxiety had resulted in a marked interference with their work (2%), social life (1%), or their education (4%).

"Speaking effectively is rarely a natural talent, but it is one that can be learned, says Beverly Beuermann-King, a stress and wellness expert and speaking professional. "Age, shyness and speech impediments can increase the fear of public speaking, but a few small tips can relieve most of the stress many people experience.

Some of the world's most famous presenters have freely admitted to nervousness and stage fright. Mark Twain said it best, "There are two types of speakers: those that are nervous and those that are liars".


Reduce your stress and get your fears under control

1. Challenge your fears. Keep your public speaking challenge in perspective. What is the worst that could happen? "Usually, we let our fears grow from mole-hills to mountains, say Beuermann-King. "Keep your perspective and realize that people want you to succeed.

2. Know your topic. "Good public speakers have a passion for their message, know their material and are aware of how to take care of themselves to ensure that their voice and their body helps to communicate their message as opposed to detracting from their message.

3. Keep your message to a few key points. "This is where a lot of pressure comes from. We want to share all of our information, but our audience doesn't need to be overloaded. A few key points with relevant examples and stories will go a lot further than oodles of facts and statistics.

4. You don't have to be perfect. You just need to be able to deliver your message. "Preparation and rehearsal will help to smooth out your delivery.

5. Avoid caffeine and learn how to relax. "Coffee adds stress to your body and that is the last thing you need before you deliver your message. Though keeping a sense of humour is important when presenting, picturing your audience naked probably won't help you to feel any more relaxed. Try a couple of neck rolls and deep breathing exercises before you go to deliver your presentation. This will help you to relax and focus on the most important goal, which is meeting the needs of your audience.

6. Seek Help. Public speaking organizations can help ease public speaking fears. Toastmasters International, is one of the most well-known non-profit organization dedicated to helping people overcome their fears of public speaking. "Seeing how other people suffer from the same anxiety often helps to improve public speaking skill. "In some cases, seeking professional help or treatments, including your family doctor, can help to minimize the stress reactions in order to allow the person to get through the presentation successfully.






Stress and wellness specialist, Beverly Beuermann-King, CSP translates current research and best practices information into a realistic, accessible and practical approach through her dynamic stress and wellness workshops, on-line articles, e-newsletters and media interviews and through a recently published collaboration called Awakening The Workplace. Visit www.WorkSmartLiveSmart.com for more on Beverly and her wellness work.