implement strategies to decrease anxiety and improve performance This is the first of five thoughts addressing the topic of presentations and public speaking. For many in business, and other sectors, this is a critical subject, and one that does not receive enough attention. Contrary to popular belief, becoming a great presenter or speaker is not […]

implement strategies to decrease anxiety and improve performance This is the first of five thoughts addressing the topic of presentations and public speaking. For many in business, and other sectors, this is a critical subject, and one that does not receive enough attention. Contrary to popular belief, becoming a great presenter or speaker is not genetic. Great speakers develop as the result of the right attitude and outlook, skills training, and practice. Research in the United States suggests that 75% of executives are afraid of public speaking and suffer from what has become known as ‘speech anxiety’. It has been reported that more than 5 million Americans actually suffer from a speech phobia, more than the number who have phobias related to death, spiders, darkness, or blindness. Further research suggests that the fear of public speaking or making presentations limits both income and promotion. It has been estimated that it…