Why authors should get over their fear of public speaking

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As a writer how much thought do you give to public speaking? Lately, I?ve been giving this a lot of thought as one of the authors signed to my company has an immense fear of public speaking. While I do get a little nervous prior to an interview, once the interview starts I?m usually fine. When I do have nervous jitters, I find myself wondering why on earth am I afraid to speak when I speak all the time? Does the fact that everyone is tuned in to me all at once cause more fear?

Who knows? But what I do know is that a fear of public speaking is very common, even your favorite celebrities experience fear when performing or interviewing.

In the past I?ve spoke with my author and told her how important it is to overcome her fear, because it inhibits her success as a writer. If you are unable to do book signings, interviews and public speaking requests on behalf of your book, the success of your title will be stunted. Your book won?t be able to reach its full potential if it doesn?t receive the proper publicity and with publicity comes publicly speaking.

On Friday, I spoke with my author again and she told me she was taking the fear by the horns and that she planned on visiting a Toastmaster?s meeting the following morning. If you aren?t familiar with Toastmasters, here?s how their website describes the organization:

A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere.

I decided to attend with her to show support and because I am fearful sometimes when interviewing and doing public speaking requests. Besides who doesn?t want to get better at public speaking? The Toastmasters meeting we attended was at the Chicago Public Library. I would encourage all writers, both aspiring and published, to consider this as an option even if you don?t have a fear of public speaking. The environment is very positive, nurturing, and they offer much needed constructive criticism.

There is a lot of public speaking involved with the publishing of a book and what better way to be prepared than joining an organization that challenges you to step out of your comfort zone.

Have you given thought to the public speaking aspect of being a published writer? Please share in the comment section below.

Source: http://thewriteoneblog.com/2012/02/06/why-authors-should-get-over-their-fear-of-public-speaking/

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