Is fear of public speaking conquerable?

Yes, fear of public speaking is indeed conquerable. Here are some effective strategies and insights from experts on overcoming this common fear:

1. Fuzzy Trace Theory:

   • Vanessa Bohns emphasizes that people generally remember the gist of what you say, not the specifics. This can reduce the pressure of having to speak perfectly 1.

2. Exposure Therapy:

   • Susan Cain and Lewis Howes both overcame their fear by gradually exposing themselves to public speaking through structured environments like Toastmasters, where they could practice in a supportive setting 2.

3. Writing Down Thoughts:

   • For those struggling with speaking spontaneously, Bohns suggests writing down what you want to say as a preparatory step to delivering your thoughts more coherently 1.

4. Coaching:

   • Jordan Harbinger found that professional coaching significantly improved his public speaking skills and recommends seeking courses or coaches that offer personalized guidance 3.

     Overcoming Public Speaking Fear

     Dan Harris

     Vanessa Bohns

     Vanessa shares insights on overcoming the fear of public speaking, including the importance of focusing on the gist of what we say and utilizing strategies like writing down thoughts and reading them aloud.

     

     Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris

     The Science of Persuasion | Vanessa Bohns

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5. Reframing Fear as Excitement:

   • Mel Robbins discusses reframing the fear of public speaking into excitement, highlighting the positive impact and reduced anxiety when shifting one's perspective on the experience 4.

These methods show that with the right strategies and consistent practice, overcoming the fear of public speaking is highly achievable.