Surveys say people dread public speaking more than death. I do a fair amount of it, occasionally to large groups or via mass media, and don’t fear it. In fact, despite being an introvert, I enjoy it! Some perspective that might help:
Unless you’re a comedian fending off hecklers, the audience is on your side. They’re spending their time, and maybe money, because they want to hear what you have to say. You are the expert.
If something does go wrong, acknowledge it and own it. If you can, be graceful and funny about it. “Oops, that was not supposed to happen!” Surviving a disaster will really put the audience on your side.
“Fake it until you make it” is real. If you feel you don’t have the courage to face an audience, then pretend you’re someone who does. Adopt a persona. Be an actor playing the role of a confident speaker. With experience, you and the role will become one.
While I don’t feel fear, I do still feel nerves—a little flutter in the gut—especially if the event is important or the audience is large. I interpret that as excitement and energy that I can take with me on stage and direct back toward the audience.
All that said, after nearly every event I lie in bed thinking, “Oooh, I wish I’d said that differently.” That’s part of the job. I promise: the audience never noticed or has already forgotten it. Just make different mistakes next time.
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