If you're like most people, the answer is yes. When Americans are asked to list their fears, public speaking always ranks at or near the top.
Since this nervousness can reduce your effectiveness as a speaker, you need to understand it. Fortunately, many proven techniques exist that can help you manage and reduce your nervousness. First, let's understand it.
- Most nervousness is not visible to an audience. Unless you are visibly shaking (highly unlikely), the audience simply won't notice your nervousness.
- Audiences are egocentric; they care more about getting something useful out of your presenation, they are not focusing on your flaws.
- Adrenalin can be your friend or foe: it's your choice. Most speakers, even experienced ones, feel the same physical symptoms: faster heart beat, rise in adrenalin, etc. They just decide to interpret these symptoms as normal, which they are, and not as a reason for concern.
