If you know me, you know that I can, and will start a conversation with just about anyone. Talking with strangers is no big deal for me because I genuinely love getting to know people. If I already know you, I will talk even more. The only issue is that I am a terrible listener. I'm working on becoming a better listener, I really am. It's just hard when I love talking so freaking much. If I'm with a group of people, I love talking with everyone. In fact, I thrive on it. BUT...if you ask me to stand in front of them and give a speech, I'm the first one out the door.
I know that sounds pretty contradictory, right? With the amount of talking I do, it surprises people to find out that I hate public speaking; however, I'm not alone. According to Psychology Today, public speaking tops the list of most common fears in the United States. Americans, and countless more people around the world would rather die than speak in front of a group, which just blows my mind. I get not wanting to talk in front of people, but dying? Really? That sounds too extreme...
One of the main reasons I don’t enjoy standing there and talking at people, is that I don’t want to be judged for what I have to say. In reality, I don’t have a fear of public speaking, I have a fear of rejection. What if I say something stupid? What if my facts are wrong? What if I forget my topic all together? All of these "what ifs" start circling in my head and they don’t go away.
I’ve had these thoughts about public speaking for as long as I can remember. Starting in fourth grade, all the way to freshman year of college, I was one of those people who would rather do anything than talk in front of others. On the bright side, I have started to get over this fear. You might be thinking it’s not possible, but I’m living proof that it IS possible.
I know it sounds crazy, but all you have to do to get over your public speaking fear is to public speak. Even if it’s just for 10 seconds to introduce yourself to your class. You’ll be nervous as hell, with sweaty palms, a bright red tomato face, and shaking in your boots. You may even stand up there and word vomit, but that doesn’t matter! No one is going to remember it in a month anyway, so you’ve got nothing to lose!
