“Embracing??”

“Exploiting?”

Do these sound like words you would use in relation to fear of public speaking, a/k/a stage fright?

Probably not. But Joe Kowan, who performed and spoke as part of a TED program said:

By thinking about my audience… by embracing and exploiting my problem, I was able to take something that was blocking my progress and turn it into something that was essential for my success.”

Few of us have challenged our fears this directly. But if you also suffer from stage fright, fear of public speaking, or social anxiety that strikes in meetings or networking events, check out Joe’s short and very inspiring TED talk:

Do You Have to Play the Guitar to Beat Stage Fright?

Not at all.

But Joe’s TED talk (and his song!) make a good argument for finding a method that’s true to who you are. 

That might mean desensitization (there’s a great group in NYC)…  speaker coaching…   joining a Toastmasters Club … meditating…  even taking a beta blocker, if that’s what it takes (just don’t try this for the first time on Speech Day!).

The point is, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution for stage fright, or for the fear of public speaking that holds so many people back. But there is a solution that will work for you!

Don’t stop looking until you find it.

And if you need some help with speechwriting or delivery coaching, I hope you’ll contact me.