Is There a Difference Between Fear and Nervousness in Public Speaking?
Some people are terrified just by the thought of public speaking; other people are nervous right before and during the opening of their speech or presentation. Is there a difference between the two? Most definitely. Fear is debilitating while I find nervousness to be a blessing. Webster’s Dictionary defines fear as “an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.” In public speaking, those who experience true fear have difficulty preparing, rehearsing and delivering their material because of the anticipation of danger, specifically injury, pain or loss. What is the actual danger in public speaking? As I mentioned in another article, while the majority of the population may be more afraid of public speaking than death, no one has yet died while delivering a speech or presentation and I seriously doubt that you will be the first to claim that honor! So, the good news is that you will not die, whether you do a great job or a not-so-memorable one! What oth
