I often encounter students who claim that they can’t possibly get in front of a classroom and speak because they are shy. I then tell them about myself, a “former shy girl in recovery,” in hopes that they will see a light at the end of the tunnel (the tunnel that they fear because if they speak in it, somebody might hear their echo and that would be public speaking!).

When training to be a college orientation leader several years ago, I found myself in a room of 10 people. The leader asked us each to give a short talk. When my turn came, I felt all eyes focused on me. I opened my mouth… and nothing came out. I started to shake, my heart pounded and I said quietly, “I can’t do this.”

The next day arrived and again we were asked again to give short speeches. As my turn approached, I felt the same physiological effects coming on-fear, nausea, pounding heart. I opened my mouth, and words came pouring out. And they made sense!

How did I overcome my fear in less than 24 hours?

I certainly didn’t lose all of my public speaking anxiety, but I was able to move forward enough to talk to a small group of people. What I didn’t tell you in the above story is that I practiced all night long after that first day. I’ll share this and other secrets to my success in the form of actionable items you can use to ease some of your anxiety and feel better prepared to speak in public:

1. Know that being nervous is normal. According to The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas, 76% of experienced speakers have stage fright. Take comfort in the fact that you are not alone.

2. Get some speaking experience. Much of speaking anxiety is fear of the unknown. So, make the unknown, known. You can take a formal public speaking course, join your local Toastmasters club or get involved in extracurricular activities where you speak frequently.

3. Prepare, prepare, prepare. It’s not practice that makes perfect, its perfect practice that makes perfect. So, be sure to follow these three Ps:

• Practice out loud, as if you are speaking to your audience.
• Practice in the same location where you will give your speech.
• Practice in front of others, so you will have “been there and done that” when you get up in front of your real audience.

Although this advice is just a start, it can be a giant leap for somebody who truly fears public speaking. I do hope that these tips help you to become a more confident speaker. Just remember… I was the shy girl in high school and now I teach public speaking. You can do it, too!