Understanding the root of public speaking anxiety can help you manage and eventually overcome it. Here are some of the most significant causes:

1. Fear of Judgment

Many people worry about how the audience perceives them. They fear being judged, ridiculed, or misunderstood.

2. Lack of Experience

Speaking in front of a crowd may be intimidating if you’re not used to it. Practice and familiarity often ease this anxiety over time.

3. Perfectionism

The desire to deliver a flawless presentation can paralyze people. Perfectionism often makes speakers overly critical of themselves.

4. Negative Past Experiences

A previous bad experience with public speaking can heighten fear. This includes events where the speaker may have frozen, forgotten what to say, or felt embarrassed.

5. Fear of Forgetting

Many speakers worry about blanking out during their presentation, fearing they won’t be able to recover from it.

6. High Stakes

If the presentation has significant professional or social consequences, the pressure to perform well can escalate nervousness.

Preparation and Practise  
The foundation of overcoming any fear is thorough preparation.
Being well prepared can significantly reduce anxiety and increase confidence. Start by thoroughly understanding your topic and organizing your content in a clear, logical structure. 

Rehearsal

When we watch great speakers and entertainers like Winston Churchill or Martin Luther King Jr., their performances seem effortless.
What we don’t see are the teams of speechwriters and the countless hours of practice behind each flawless delivery.
Even Churchill’s impromptu remarks and King’s seemingly spontaneous speeches were meticulously rehearsed long before they were presented.

Similarly, for those of us who are not professionals, a similar path of preparation and practice is essential to conquer the fear of public speaking.
Practice your speech multiple times, ideally in front of a mirror or a small, supportive audience.

Preparation

Preparation involves taking control of the factors within your reach and planning for potential mishaps. Here’s what you can do:

1. • Ensure you have a copy of your script or notes. Familiarise yourself with the content and practice delivering it.

   • Arrive at the venue well in advance. Explore the surroundings, understand the layout, and get comfortable with the space.

   • Before stepping on stage, check how to adjust the lectern. Being prepared ensures a smooth start.

   • Engage in conversation with people in the room. It helps you relax and connect with the audience.

Anticipating Challenges

While there are countless potential challenges, some common ones include:

• Your best joke or story might not get the expected laughs.

• Microphone malfunctions can happen unexpectedly.

• You may ask for questions and receive no response.

• Noisy choir rehearsing next door 

Remember, anticipating these situations allows you to prepare effective solutions.

Preparation and Practise  
The practice of visualising success, particularly in the context of public speaking, is grounded in cognitive psychology notably the principle of self-efficacy. 

By repeatedly imagining a successful outcome, individuals can enhance their their belief in their own ability to perform tasks effectively enhancing  confidence and reduce anxiety, which are key components of a successful performance.
This mental rehearsal primes the brain to act in accordance with the positive imagery, thereby increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome

It's a technique often used by athletes, performers, and business professionals alike to prepare for high-pressure situations.  involves detailed and focused visualisation of the task at hand, leading to improved mental preparation and a positive mindset.

Regularly dedicationg time to this practise to visualize speaking with confidence and engaging the audience, one can build a mental blueprint that guides actual performance, making the envisioned success more attainable which can significantly impact one's ability to deliver a confident and well-received presentation.

 
Napoleon Hill's work, in "Think and Grow Rich," has inspired many to use the power of thought and belief to achieve their goals.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

The technique of deep breathing is a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. It works by activating the body's natural relaxation response, a state of deep rest that changes the physical and emotional responses to stress.
When you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. The brain then sends this message to your body, which leads to a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension.

This method is not only beneficial before speaking but can be used in any situation where you need to find calm and focus, such as before an important meeting, during a stressful event, or even to wind down before sleep.

It's a simple yet effective way to maintain balance and control in your daily life.
Anxiety often stems from negative thoughts and physical tension.
Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your routine to calm your nerves. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress.

Relaxation techniques are varied and can cater to different preferences and situations. Some people find guided imagery, where you visualize a calm and peaceful setting, to be incredibly soothing. Mindfulness meditation, which involves being present in the moment without judgment, can also help reduce stress.

Before your speech, take a few moments to breathe deeply and center yourself

"Taking a few moments to breathe deeply and center yourself before speaking can make a world of difference.” -  Amy Cuddy, author of
"Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges"

More help here
NHS self-help breathing exercises for stress

Remember that Little changes, Change everything, over time!

Building confidence in public speaking is a gradual process that benefits greatly from starting with smaller audiences which our speakers club provide and are an outstanding .

This approach allows for a more personal and less intimidating environment, where the speaker can engage more directly with the audience and receive immediate feedback.
As comfort and proficiency grow, speaking in front of larger groups becomes less daunting. It's also beneficial to practice in a variety of settings to adapt to different audiences and dynamics.

This strategy not only improves public speaking skills but also enhances overall communication abilities, making it an effective method for personal and professional development.

Organizations like the Association of Speakers Clubs are key to improving public speaking skills play a pivotal role in enhancing public speaking skills.
They offer structured environments where speakers practice, receive feedback, and grow. 

The Association of Speakers Clubs provides a supportive setting with a program that includes prepared speeches, evaluations, and impromptu topics, helping members develop a wide range of speaking skills. Our Public Speaking Classes offer a system of certificates that  recognizes progress and mastery of various public speaking facets.

We recognise the importance of feedback and the value of a supportive community, which are crucial for improving public speaking abilities and building confidence in front of an audience.