
Q: I’ve been invited to teach a course, but I’m not a public speaker. How can I overcome my fear?
Fear of speaking in front of a group is at the top of many people’s list of worst fears. (Others are death, financial problems, and loneliness.) As a result, many avoid situations that require them to speak publicly, and this can negatively impact their career, whether it’s by reducing opportunities for promotion or lowering others’ perception of their competence. Here are a couple suggestions that can help you overcome what I call FOPO (Fear of a Podium):
• Ignore the advice to calm down. First, it is impossible; a racing heart, shallow breathing, and sweaty palms are evidence that there is nothing calm about the situation you are in. Second, it doesn’t make any sense; a chilled-out speaker is going to put everyone to sleep.
• Reframe it: Social scientist and Harvard Business School assistant professor Alison Wood Brooks recommends reinterpreting anxiety in a more positive light. In a study, participants who said “I am excited” performed better than those who tried to calm themselves down. Embrace your pre-speech jitters as excitement. Remember, fear is just excitement in need of an attitude adjustment.
Dr. Samantha Boardman is a clinical instructor in psychiatry and an assistant attending psychiatrist at Weil Cornell Medical College in New York and the the founder of positivepercription.com. (opens in new tab)
A version of this article originally appeared in the September 2018 issue of Marie Claire.
RELATED STORY
-
‘Harry & Meghan’ Director Liz Garbus Says Buckingham Palace Tried to “Discredit” the Docuseries
Despite the Palace’s claims otherwise, Garbus says the show did reach out to them for comment.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Would Have Been the “First to Hear” of Princess Eugenie’s Pregnancy, Expert Says
Eugenie is arguably the member of the royal family the Sussexes remain closest to.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Where Has Meghan Markle Been Lately?
Largely unseen during the ‘Spare’ mayhem, she is apparently “happy to let Harry take center stage.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Peloton’s Selena Samuela on Turning Tragedy Into Strength
Before becoming a powerhouse cycling instructor, Selena Samuela was an immigrant trying to adjust to new environments and new versions of herself.
By Emily Tisch Sussman
-
This Mutual Fund Firm Is Helping to Create a More Sustainable Future
Amy Domini and her firm, Domini Impact Investments LLC, are inspiring a greater and greener world—one investor at a time.
By Sponsored
-
Power Players Build on Success
"The New Normal" left some brands stronger than ever. We asked then what lies ahead.
By Maria Ricapito
-
Don't Stress! You Can Get in Good Shape Money-wise
Yes, maybe you eat paleo and have mastered crow pose, but do you practice financial wellness?
By Sallie Krawcheck
-
The Book Club Revolution
Lots of women are voracious readers. Other women are capitalizing on that.
By Lily Herman
-
The Future of Women and Work
The pandemic has completely upended how we do our jobs. This is Marie Claire's guide to navigating your career in a COVID-19 world.
By Megan DiTrolio
-
Black-Owned Coworking Spaces Are Providing a Safe Haven for POC
For people of color, many of whom prefer to WFH, inclusive coworking spaces don't just offer a place to work—they cultivate community.
By Megan DiTrolio
-
Where Did All My Work Friends Go?
The pandemic has forced our work friendships to evolve. Will they ever be the same?
By Rachel Epstein