Writing a Powerful Speech Introduction
"Please help me welcome . . ." In most public speaking situations, the coordinators will ask you to provide your own written speech introduction for them to read (hopefully with some energy and enthusiasm). At Toastmasters, we invite speakers to provide a written...
Is Propranolol a Cure for Stage Fright?
A reader has this question: Is propranolol a cure for stage fright?"Your recent article was very helpful. I have a question: Do you think the beta-blockers that many people use can remove performance fears overnight, like the antibiotic way of solving bacteria? -...
People Don’t Fear Public Speaking More Than Death!
It's Not True! Public Speaking Is Not Scarier Than Death!! You know how you're always hearing that people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of death? It's all over the place. Jerry Seinfeld unwittingly popularized the idea when he joked: "This means to...
Performance Simulator Helps Musicians’ Stage Fright.
Virtual reality can be a big help in overcoming stage fright!This is so cool! Here's the situation. "Musicians stage fright" is a very real thing, as many musicians know. Too often, music students (even working performers) don't get the chance to get comfortable...
Does It Take Years to Conquer Stage Fright?
It Doesn't Have to Take Years.The singer and actress, Bette Midler, who has been performing for over 40 years, recently revealed that it had taken her almost that long to conquer stage fright, but she finally has. Bette Midler?! But she's so fabulous! How can she have...
Master a trembling voice in any speaking situation
How can I get over a trembling voice?Q. I am only afraid at the beginning of speaking in public, especially the moment I am about to open my mouth. Sometimes this leads to a trembling voice. However, after I start talking, I calm down and become confident. Can you...
Public Speaking: Smooth Delivery
5 Easy Steps to Mastering Those Um's and Ah's Q. I say 'uh' and 'um' a lot in public speaking situations and in conversations at work and social settings. What impression does this give of me, and how can I stop? A. My response applies to any of those situations,...
Business Owner Finds His Natural Confidence
A CONFIDENCE SUCCESS STORY I have been working with a successful business owner to build his confidence in public speaking. He has always been quite comfortable in professional settings. Except - and this is a big except - he couldn't control his extreme nervousness...
5 Tips to Building Confidence as a Speaker or Performer
Want to build confidence in your speaking or performing? These five principles worked wonders in a private coaching session with a successful businessman who had a severe fear of public speaking. But they will be helpful in any performance situation where you want to...
Do You Fear Speaking in Public?
Do you have speaking fear? Of all the forms stage fright takes, the majority of us fear speaking in public the most. There have been repeated polls suggesting that 40 to 45 percent of people have a fear of public speaking. That's nearly half!! The most common...
