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.