Fear of public speaking is called glossophobia, and it affects 75% of the population, who avoid public speaking or suffer through with quivering voices. How does one conquer this fear? Matt Abrahams’ book – “Think Faster, Talk Smarter” – advises that repetition, reflection and feedback are key ingredients to improving.
Review a Zoom recording to see how you did and learn from that. Observe others and incorporate things that they do, like gesturing and paraphrasing, into your style.
Focus on what the audience needs, not what you want to say. Gauge the audience’s reaction and pivot if you see yawns or fidgeting.
– Betsie Gambel, Gambel Communications, The New Orleans 100