Question Of The Week: How To Manage Fear?

“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” – Jerry Seinfeld

Everyone seems to have his or her own personal remedy for conquering (or trying to conquer) their fear of public speaking.

Most presentation trainers suggest that speakers reduce stress through breathing exercises or some sort of other physical activity. I’ve always been a bit skeptical of that approach, preferring to understand what was happening in a client’s mind before diagnosing their fright with a quick physical fix.

All of that got me thinking about which tips and techniques really work, which brings us to this week’s question of the week:

How have you tried to reduce your fear of public speaking? What works for you – and what doesn’t?

Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below, and please share this link with your networks so we can get a broad range of ideas.

I’ll write a follow-up post later this week that includes many of your comments, as well as a few of my own techniques.

In the meantime, here are your answers to a few previous questions of the week:

Should You Ask Reporters For Questions Before an Interview?

What Should You Do When Reporters Know Something You Wish They Didn’t?

What Should You Do as a Spokesperson When You’re Forced To Promote a Party Line You Disagree With?