how do i get over my fear of interviews and public speaking?
440011
Hi,\nIt's important that you understand what you're talking about - this will give you confidence. Also don't try to rush through it, give yourself time to breathe. A lot of help can be found on the site below, both on interviews and speaking in public in general.
176984
A psychologist would be more qualified to answer this for you. But I'll give it a shot.\n\nI dont know how to get over a fear permanently, but I have a few techniques that may help. \n\nFrom what I've read, a fear is only the reaction to what we dont understand. \n\nFirst, confront the fear, learn everything you can about what you fear and try to understand why you have it in the first place: Is the 9/11 event a factor? Did you, a friend, or family member have a bad experience? \n\nAsk yourself - is your fear really of the flight itself, or are you perhaps afraid of death or hijackers instead? I've even heard of someone who was afraid of SURVIVING in the event of a plane crash in a remote location. \n\nIf its something other than the act of flying in and of itself, then you more likely need to work on this other fear before you can learn to get over the fear of flying. \n\nThen reason with yourself as to why you SHOULDNT fear it. \n\nFor instance, in this case, remember that Driving to wherever you're going is ALOT more dangerous than the flight your taking. Its true - look it up. \n\nWhen flying on a commercial plane, your life is in the hands of only one or two people who have had extensive training, most likely passed their 4 years (or more) of education with flying colors (no pun intended), have lots of experience, and have few distractions. Plus theres hardly ever any traffic and almost no deer...  ;)\n\nWhen driving, your life is in the hands of everyone you pass on the road. All of them only took a few driving classes and most of those people barely passed their exam, and/or are distracted somehow; cell phones, rowdy kids, eating etc. Some dont even have a license, and some are drunk or on drugs. \n\nAnd this may sound stupid, but here it is anyway. Take as many flights as you can afford. Make them short trips to somewhere you've been before (just for more familiarity). The more experience you have with it, the more likely you are to think of it as routine and boring. \nExample: Remember when you first started driving? - it was probably pretty scary the first few times, then the more you got behind that wheel and made it safely to your destination, the less scary it was. I bet that now you dont even think about it anymore and its even become rather dull & boring.\n\nThere are common temporary solutions...\n\nDepending on how long your flight is you could take a sleeping aid. But usually, sleeping aids last for 6 hours or more. Not ideal for, say, a flight from Minnesota to Colorado for example. \n\nIf you want more of a short term effect... get a little tipsy - drink a few an hour or so before you get on the plane. Depending on how you react to alcohol, this could make you more tolerant, and uncaring or even unaware of the event occuring. \nOR it could make you less tolerant and more nauseous than ever - so be sure of your reaction to alcohol before attempting this. Or if you drink enough before the flight you may just fall asleep before the plane even taxis out to the runway. \n\nAs for the take-off part of it... know that it is actually one of the safer parts of the entire flight.\n\nTake a distraction such as a book, video game, or laptop. Or listen to relaxing music.\n\nHypnosis is an option to try, though it may be expensive. \n\nTry to get a loved one who isnt afraid of flying to go with you if possible, for moral support. Going it alone surrounded by strangers can make you more anxious and nervous. \n\nIn conclusion, just try to relax and remember your pilots know what they're doing.\n\nI hope something here was some help and eased your mind a little. And I also hope I didnt make you afraid of driving in the process!! Good Luck!
140207
I used to be, but then I joined up with toastmasters international.  It is a group that is designed to help you not only overcome your fear of public speaking but also improve your speaking ability.  It is also a great way to network with successful people in your area.\n\nIf you are nervous about speaking in public you should look into it.  Good speaking skills are valuable in most jobs :-)
659830
I feel for you. My very first public speaking was in front of a 1000 people and my legs were like wobbling jelly.\n\nI just believe in three things when I do this. The first is I want to improve myself, the second is what I communicate is essential and the final is the more you do it the easier it gets.\n\nOne important thing to do is to write notes on your speech so that if you go blank then the notes can get you going. Always as your talk take a second or two to keep your notes up to where your speaking and take a small break as standing out front riffling through notes is not a good sight.\n\nWhen speaking to a large group, speak up and look at your audience. As you talk always move your eyesight around the people in the audience to make everyone feel part of your talk.\n\nFinally work out your talk/speech in advance and give it in front of a mirror to see your looking up and out and make the speech second nature.\n\nKeep going, it will get better and believe what I said in the first paragraph.
45971
Practice. That's the main thing that will help. I have that problem, and it helped me to remind myself that the person I am talking to is just a human - exactly like me... absolutely no more special, and therefore should have no power to make me nervous. Another thing I do that has helped is observe people with really good social abilities. It doesn't exactly make you more calm, but it shows you more options of how to act in situations when talking to people - which over time will make you more confident in yourself as you become more comfortable with the "talents" you've learned.
157149
Eat a little something about an hour before your presentation - you don't want to pass out from low blood sugar due to your anxiety first of all. \n\nSecond, practice some breathing and relaxing exercises before your speech. Take a slow deep breath in with the nose, slow exhale from the mouth. Then do several mouth exercises - say the vowels A,E,I,O,U with very exaggerated facial muscle use - stretching each one as far as you can while saying them out loud. This will relax the facial muscles that you will use to speak as well as smile.\n\nForcing a smile, even when you don't feel it on the inside, really can improve your mood. \n\nDon't look directly at the people you are speaking to. Look just above their heads - they will not realize you are not actually looking at them.\n\nTry to relax. People are just people. To put it bluntly, we all still sit on the toilet, barf when we're sick, blow boogers out of our noses, do stupid things, have problems at home, etc. etc. etc. Don't ever put anyone on a pedestal, no matter who they are - it's easier to speak to people when you realize they are not above you.
181249
You just do it. It's the only way to start overcoming your fear. I fear the same sometimes, eventhough I had trouble doing it, but I still did it (at school). Most people who don't have this fear are very confident. Not that you're not confident, just a little shy. So, again, just do it and afterwards you'll be "what was I afraid of?" Then you are more relaxed and proud that you did it. Good Luck.
1008937
I'm one of those people who have a nack for interviews and landing jobs.\n\nThe best advice i can give you is, if you are felling confatable with the intervierwer you will do well.\n\nSo the first thing i try to do (depending on the type of interview) is strike up a social conversation first, this will allow you to feel less threatened and conduct a better interview.\n\nIf this is not possible (formal interview) then just try relax and be your self, make sure you do resurch about the job you are going after and tell them what they want to hear befor they ask it.\n\nJust remeber there only a person and its not the end of the world if you dont get the job.  Also if you dont get it, it provides you with the experience to have better luck next time:)
595266
The only way to get rid of fear is to face it. Make up your mind to face them.BE BRAVE!!!!
73681
Let the interviewer know that you don't find the question relevant to the job you're interviewing for, and take that opportunity to share some information about yourself that you DO find relevant, explaining how it illuminates your qualification for the job in question.\n\nAlternatively: look for another job. Anyplace that makes you uncomfortable at a job *interview* is substantially more likely to make you even MORE uncomfortable once you're showing up there every day. Trust your spider senses.
145676
The only way to get over being afraid of singing in front of other people is to actually sing in front of other people. You'll end up getting used to it and after awhile it won't even bother you anymore. It just takes time and getting used to. Don't let your fear stop you from singing. Keep on singing and good luck!
937842
Hi maybe join group who do things that you are interested in, that way you will meet and become more outgoing as time passes.\n\nI'm sure there are social groups nearby who hold meetings regularly same thing as you get to know ppl then anxieties will slowly fade.\n\nYou are not alone believe me, many others feels same, it's hard to go up and talk but with alittle practice it will become 2nd nature.\nPpl love talking about themselves so that is a good ice breaker to ask what they like to do in general.\nThen it is easier each time plus you meet plenty of different ppl ,but remember you have to give info also, as is not one way street..best of luck cheers..
286456
you need to learn more about yourself first, before you can connect up with someone else.  if you are scared, there is a reason.  talk with someone, write your feelings out, see if you can figure out why you are scared.   you are valuable, don't allow yourself to be pressured into anything you don't wish to do.
675619
A lot of people are afraid of speaking in front of a group, you're not alone.  This is a good chance for you to get used to it in front of your classmates.  Remember they are as scared as you are when its their turn.\n\nStudy your presentation so you know it well and give it your best shot.  If you mess up, just smile, pick up where you left off and keep going.  You'll be a good example to everyone else who follows you.
431242
Have less faith in FEAR and more faith in yourself.\n\nGod created you and God doesn't make junk.\n\nThink positive. Just because you haven't done it yet, doesn't mean it isn't doable.\n\nMost importantly, tell any negative thoughts in your mind to BE GONE in Jesus name.\nJesus already fought the fight against negative... you do not have to keep dealing with it.  God is with you. God is LOVE.\n\nWhen you ask yourself a question choose the answer that represents LOVE, TRUTH, JOY, KINDNESS.\n\nIf you go out there and do the interview, and you don't get the job, you have still succeeded!!! Because you overcame THAT fear.\n\nStop letting the negative in your mind beat you up emotionally.  You are stronger than you have been thinking.\n\nBlessings to you.
1049768
1. Practice your material until it's second nature\n2. Dress in comfortable clothing\n3. Look at things that do not cause you anxiety\n4. If you make a mistake do not dwell upon it ... move on confidently\n5. Pre-live the event ... running scenarios such as you forget your lines and recover or you do a great job.  This will get you shifted and ready for any eventuality.\n6. Know that people admire your ability to speak publicly and mistakes are understood and overlooked.
610202
Hehe, I'll keep you in thought but stay calm.\n\nRemember to practice your interview with a friend or family member, have your resume, and other important documents on hand, and to think positive. :)\n\nGood luck!