How to Be Brilliant at Public Speaking, 2nd Edition

Chapter 2

The causes of fear

Key wisdom from this chapter

• Awareness brings choice: when you become aware of your body language and vocal habits you can choose the behaviours that benefit your audience and drop the habits that are a bit weird.
• You don’t look as nervous as you feel: the audience see perhaps 20% of the nerves that you’re experiencing in your body.
• Our public speaking beliefs become reality: if we think positively of ourselves in public speaking we can reinforce our abilities, rather than giving extra energy to our weaknesses and doubt.
• It’s not about you: even though it may feel like it. Public speaking is really about the audience in the room. If you seek to benefit them, rather than focusing on yourself, you will not only do ...