How did Susan overcome her fear?

Susan Cain overcame her fear of public speaking through gradual exposure and a supportive environment. Initially, Susan had to deal with a deeply ingrained fear from a traumatic middle school experience, which caused her to blank out during an impromptu performance. This fear persisted throughout her career, even as a lawyer where public speaking was necessary 1.

To tackle her fear, Susan took a seminar designed for people with public speaking anxiety. The process started with very simple tasks, like standing up and stating her name, and gradually increased in difficulty. This method of incremental exposure helped her to slowly build confidence 2.

Additionally, Susan worked with a psychologically attuned coach who began their sessions in a comfortable setting, such as talking on a couch. Only after Susan felt comfortable did they move to practicing on stage. This approach eased her transition into public speaking, making the process less intimidating 3.

Overall, Susan's journey underscores the importance of gradual exposure and a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere in overcoming deep-rooted fears 2 3.