Public speaking is the number one fear of people around the world and for good reason. It can be incredibly stressful to get up in front of a group and discuss an idea or topic, especially if you aren’t feeling particularly eloquent that day.
One problem with public speaking anxiety is that it can happen at any time, even when you’re in the privacy of your own home. Some people will even vomit before speaking, unable to overcome their mind’s screaming “This is terrible! You’re going to fail!”
Fortunately, there are many quotes out there that may help you conquer your fear and speak in public with confidence. Here are a few:
“Don’t be nervous. Just pretend that you’re talking to a group of your friends on the couch.” – David M. Shultz
“It’s not whether you get nervous speaking before strangers, because everyone does sooner or later; it’s how you handle it when your knees are shaking so bad they nearly buckle, and all those eyes are looking up at you. All you have to do is look them straight back and remember that most of them would rather be anywhere else.” – Allen H. Neuharth
“The more we value things outside ourselves – money, fame, power, the less we value ourselves; and the less we value ourselves – that is to say, our soul, the less do other people value us.” – Leo Tolstoy
“Don’t think of it as a platform from which to speak; think of it as a small stage where you are playing out a short, two-minute scene. Once you’ve done that, the audience will applaud and go home.” – Michael Berrier
“Well, at least I’m not boring.” – Author Unknown
“The difference between a successful person and others is not lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.” – Vince Lombardi
“Patience and composure under all circumstances. It means to be serene under the most trying circumstances. Never lose your cool, never lose control of yourself no matter what happens.”- Swami Sivananda Saraswati
“Don’t think of it as a platform from which to speak; think of it as a small stage where you are playing out a short, two-minute scene. Once you’ve done that, the audience will applaud and go home.” – Michael Berrier
Though many people may claim that public speaking is their most difficult challenge, fear of public speaking quotes offers a glimmer of hope. Anyone can overcome this obstacle with practice and confidence-building activities.
Soon enough, you’ll be well on your way to standing up in front of a crowd without fear.