The Many Fears of Public Speaking: Fear of the Audience’s Power

I realize now that the audience holds immense power. Rather than underestimate its strength or completely avoid it I’ve learned to embrace it. A simple shift in perspective makes all the difference in turning my adversary into my advocate.

It was the hundreds of threatening beady eyes glaring right at me that disturbed my sleep for weeks after seeing Clash of the Titans. As a kid growing up in the 80s, I was terrified by the scene in the movie where the soldiers battle this creature named Medusa. She was a hideous female with greenish skin spouting venomous snakes for hair. Anyone who looked at her would instantly turn to stone. Even the strongest soldiers were no match for her.
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Thankfully, as I grew older, I realized Medusa is just a mythological character and could no longer pose a threat to me - or so I thought. As I sit and reflect on the many fears of speaking, I am transported back to the beginning of my speaking career. I had so much to learn, but my naivete saved me from getting overwhelmed by that fact. I had just taken my place at the lectern and gently placed my notes in front of me. I lifted my head to glance out at the audience and instantly froze. Turned to stone if you will. As much as I had practiced and prepared, I didn’t account for the audience’s power. They were my modern-day Medusa.

What really happened that day? How did all the rehearsing and practicing disappear along with my presence of mind leaving me to resemble a lifelike statue? I have a theory. Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and how could I have known I missed an especially important piece when preparing for my speech. I completely overlooked the importance of considering my audience. Yes, I knew who I was speaking to and I knew what message I needed to get across, but I didn’t know what I thought of them and as a result I imagined they were some how the enemy. They were separate from me. They were bigger and scarier and could crush me with a disapproving glare or challenging question. It was a truth I held inside. It wasn’t something I consciously created, and it completely stopped me in my tracks.

I realize now that the audience holds immense power. Rather than underestimate its strength or completely avoid it I’ve learned to embrace it. A simple shift in perspective makes all the difference in turning my adversary into my advocate.

The following are my top five perspective shifting tips.

1. Imagine they are your partner and you are working together.

2. Contemplate how you are similar and want the same things.

3. Seek to understand their struggle and put yourself in their shoes.

4. Invite them along rather than try to convince or persuade.

5. Assume best intentions and look for friendly faces.