Fear of Public Speaking

When I was a boy, all the way up through my mid-twenties or so, I was deathly afraid of having to stand up before a group of people and speak.  I remember one time---I was about 13 or thereabouts---when I was asked to lead our Boy Scout meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.  I absolutely could not do it.  I had a panic attack.

Part of my problem at the time was that I had very low self esteem and had no confidence in much of anything I was doing.  Looking back, I can say that this affliction was one of the worst things I ever went through in my life.  It wasn't until much later in life that my confidence began to improve with a success here and there---but I still dreaded it when I would have to speak before a group.

One of the most terrifying thoughts always occurred when I would be a part of a church group.  What if I was asked to say a prayer?  Oh, my gosh---I couldn't refuse to say a prayer!  I would have to actually say a meaningful prayer!  How would I go about doing that without having a heart attack?  By and by, the day came when this did happen.  I did my best to fight through my fear and mumbled something unintelligible and said a loud "Amen" at the end of it and got out of there before anyone could comment on how bad a prayer it was.  Ha.

As time went on, and my age progressed, and my life experience built some successes in business, personal relationships, social situations, etc, I began to feel at ease in speaking before groups.  In fact I began to enjoy it.  Soon, I was actually asking for opportunities to speak in public---teaching Sunday school, singing before groups of people, leading classes in various subjects.  Soon, being a speaker or singer in front of others was FUN!  I had come full circle!  Now, my friends and family often tell me they can't shut me up!  I take that as a compliment.  I don't EVER want to go back to those years when fear held its power over my life.

I thought this might be a meaningful blog posting because there are so many people who suffer this same fear of public speaking that I once did.  It can be overcome very spectacularly by making yourself DO IT!  With practice, fear will dissipate and the joy of being a speaker will take its place.

Before I close today's post, let me offer a little suggestion for those who might be fearful of being asked to say a prayer for a group.  Simply remember the ACRONYM    "ACTS".

A---Adoration....Begin your prayer by expressing adoration to God for His grace
C---Confession....Confess to God the group's humanity and imperfection
T---Thanksgiving....Thank God for all that He has given to the individuals of the group
S---Supplication....Ask God for whatever you or the group needs