Your First Step to Overcome Nerves When Public Speaking

For many people, public speaking can be a daunting experience. And it can sometimes feel like it’s impossible to overcome the fear of public speaking. I know, because that’s how I felt too! Don’t know where to start? I believe this is the best first step to overcome public speaking nerves and improve your confidence.

In this blog, I explain how to harness the power of your subconscious mind to overcome public speaking nerves. So you no longer feel terrified of public speaking and let it hold you back in your career. Doesn’t that sound great?

How your subconscious mind impacts public speaking nerves

Your subconscious mind is incredibly powerful. But, it’s constantly listening and absorbing the language you use about yourself and your abilities. In short, this internal dialogue shapes your beliefs and, ultimately, your reality.

When you feel nervous about public speaking, you may frequently tell yourself things like:

“I’m not confident”
“I can’t give that presentation”
“I’m terrified of public speaking – I can’t do this,” or
“I’ll fail at that interview.”

Sound familiar?

But, what happens when you use this language is your subconscious mind looks for evidence to support these beliefs. In turn, this will reinforce your fears and self-doubt.

If you read my blog Why am I nervous about talking in public? you know nerves show up when we perceive a threat. When you believe you’re terrible at public speaking, and keep reinforcing that belief, it’s no wonder your body perceives a threat when you’re asked to present to the senior team.

Pay attention to your language

First, you want to start by being mindful of the language you use, both to and about yourself. Over the next few weeks, and especially when a big presentation or meeting looms, pay attention to your thoughts. I found it helpful to write them down. Self-awareness is key.

Because every time you tell yourself something critical, you are reinforcing the belief there is something to be fearful of. As a result, this will continue to reinforce the body’s stress response – e.g. sweaty palms, shaky voice, nervous rash and so on! Then you tell yourself something critical again and the cycle continues.

“I’m terrible at public speaking”, “I hate public speaking”, “I’m awful at public speaking”

These were some of the things I said to myself. But, when you use language like this it, rightly, puts your mind on edge! You probably do this out of habit, without knowing how harmful it can be – I know I was! But when you start to notice, then you can start to challenge and change the negative self-talk.

“If you advocate for your limitations you get to keep them” – Jim Kwik

Challenge self-limiting language

If you want to overcome nerves when public speaking, then you need to challenge some of this language. Ask yourself:

Is this actually true?
Is this helpful?
Do I have any evidence that supports this belief?
Do I have any evidence that suggests otherwise?

Be kind to yourself. Everyone has moments of self-doubt, but it’s important to recognise these thoughts without letting them define you. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend.

Replace negative thoughts with more positive language

The next stage is to replace the negative thoughts with more positive and constructive statements. Here are some suggestions.

For example, replace “I hate public speaking” with “I don’t enjoy public speaking yet.”
‘I’m awful at giving presentations’ to ‘I’m working hard to improve my presentation skills’.
Instead of “I can’t do this,” try saying, “I am capable and prepared.”
Turn “I’m terrified about speaking in front of people” to “I’m feeling nervous because this is important to me.”
Instead of “I will look like an idiot” try “I’m not defined by any mistakes, I can learn from them to improve in the future.”

This shift in language can have a profound impact on your mindset and your confidence. Even just the addition of the word ‘yet’ can be so powerful. ‘Yet’ helps create new pathways in your brain and reframe the way you think about public speaking.

Don’t say these ten things if you’re serious about overcoming your fear of public speaking. Get your FREE download here.

Want to learn more about positive self-talk? Here’s an article from Better Help How Kind Words Improve Your Mental Health.

Believe in your ability to overcome your public speaking nerves

Your beliefs shape your reality. So, if you believe you are a capable and confident public speaker, you will start to act accordingly. Your subconscious mind will seek out evidence to support this new belief, gradually shifting your perception of your abilities.

You can help your subconscious mind along by providing evidence that you are a capable speaker. When I was terrified of public speaking, I used this technique. I regularly acknowledged and reflected on my accomplishments.

The result? A more accurate picture of my public speaking experiences that in turn allowed me to acknowledge there was no threat when public speaking. And ultimately this meant an end to overwhelming public speaking nerves!

Find out how I built my confidence by using recognition in this blog Overcome The Fear of Public Speaking & Improve Your Self-Esteem.

‘Your beliefs become your reality’

Further Support with Public Speaking

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