List your top ten fears from least (10) to most (1) fearsome.

10. Dogs

9. Loneliness

8. Fear of flying

7. Death

6. Illness

5. Water/Drowning

4. Financial Loss

3. Insects/Snakes

2. Fear of Heights

1. PUBLIC SPEAKING!!

The American people are basically saying they would rather die than speak in public. – Jerry Seinfeld

“The human brain is a wonderful thing; it works from the moment you are born until the moment you get up to give a speech!” - Anonymous

Stagefright!?! also called Communication Apprehension is the nervousness that speakers feel before, during, and after the presentation of their speeches.

Things to note about stagefright 1. It is normal 2. Audience is not likely to notice your nerves. 3. Experience and practice will help.

Combating Stage Fright 1. Be prepared 2. Look your best 3. Relax (take deep breaths) 4. Give yourself a pep talk (“I am ready. I can do this.”) 5. Develop a healthy self-confidence—it must come from the inside

Practicing for Your Speech 1. Go through speech using an outline 2. As you practice, use the outline less and less 3. Work on adding gestures and expression 4. Try not to use outline, check the timing 5. Finally practice in front of a friend and get feedback