Conquering Public Speaking Anxiety

Nov 25, 2024

Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

Personal Experience with Fear

  • Many people fear public speaking.
  • Dr. Justin Mosley's personal story of fear starting in the second grade.
    • Anxiety when called upon to read in class.
    • Experience of embarrassment and feeling inadequate.
  • College experience with continued fear during speech class.
    • Physical symptoms: rapid heartbeat, dry throat, trembling voice.
    • Reinforcement of belief: "public speaking is not for me."

Key Realizations to Overcome Fear

1. Everyone Has a Message to Share

  • Belief that everyone possesses a message that the world needs.
  • Rory Vaden's advice: "You are perfectly positioned to serve the person you once were."
    • Life experiences and lessons learned are valuable.
    • Sharing these can help others facing similar challenges.

2. Shift Focus from Self to Audience

  • Initial thoughts of judgment and fear about personal image.
  • Realization that public speaking is about serving the audience.
    • Focus on what the audience will gain.
  • Rory Vaden's advice: "Fear disappears when the mission to serve is clear."
    • Emphasize the impact on the listeners rather than self-consciousness.

3. Transform Fear into Excitement

  • Fear and excitement have similar physiological responses.
    • Increased heart rate, adrenaline, shallow breathing, etc.
  • Differentiate based on context: danger vs. positive anticipation.
  • Reframe fear as excitement to positively anticipate the impact of speaking.
  • Personal story of impacting a man who went on to achieve significant health goals after hearing a message.

Impact and Inspiration

  • Personal story of impacting a man's health journey through a message.
  • Encouragement to evaluate personal impact: "What impact can I make?"
  • Quotation from B.J. Palmer: "You never know how far-reaching something you may think, say, or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow."
  • Achieving the dream of speaking on the TEDx stage.

Conclusion

  • Motivation to find and share your message.
  • Overcome fear by reframing it into excitement.
  • Emphasize the potential positive impact on the world.

Dr. Justin Mosley's hope is for everyone to overcome their fear and make a positive impact by sharing their unique message with the world.