When someone says, "Public speaking is the #1 fear."  I'm tempted to say, "No.  It's not... It's way down the list of fears. In fact it's not a fear, a word I reserve for situations which could have a fatal outcome." Still, it's real and suffered by many.

In his book, The Human Dilemma, Rollo May identifies anxiety as a common human condition experienced every time we experience uncertainty. He also notes that, while it can be clinical, it's usually a social condition actualized by a feeling of potential failure.

In my experience there can be many cause. My partial list icludes:

•  Disinterest: Not wanting to speak. Don't! And leave them alone.

•  Ignorance: Speaking about what one does not know. Study!

•  Inexperience: Anxious about what we have not done.  Do it!

•  Lack of preparation:  A common cause.  Be Prepared!

•  Lack of commitment:  Another major cause.  Do your best!

•  Belief in the Myth: Dismiss the myth for what it is, bogus.

•  Nothing to say: Intelligent fear of being the fool.  Be smart! 

Note to Speakers: Public speaking anxiety is real, but it's not terminal. According to Dr. Hans Selye it has two forms: distress, the interferring negative feeling, and eustress, the positive effect of eager anticipation.

 When you have something to say audiences want to hear, do it. What begins as a negative will, with experience, become a positive. The best speakers are anxious before every program, mainly eager to show their insights.

It's simple; it's not easy; it's great fun; it's worth the commitment.