Lesson Plans > Can I Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking?

Discover effective strategies to overcome the fear of public speaking, the #1 fear among 75% of the population. Learn to accept judgment, focus on being valuable, and use practical tips to boost your confidence and deliver engaging presentations. Embrace growth and conquer your fear with this insightful guide.

25 Minute Lesson Plan

Absolutely, Iuri. Here's a 25-minute lesson plan based on your article "Can I Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking?"

Objective 1: To listen and understand the podcast on overcoming the fear of public speaking.
Objective 2: To identify and discuss the main points in the article and podcast.

Lesson Plan:

Time: 0-5 minutes
Activity: Introduction
- Briefly introduce the topic of public speaking and its common fears.
- Introduce Iuri Melo as a Licensed Therapist and Co-founder of Schoolpulse, and discuss his experience in mental health and counseling.
- Discuss the objectives of the lesson.

Time: 5-10 minutes
Activity: Listen to the Podcast
- Provide the students with the HTML link to the podcast (https://schoolpulse.org/activity/can-i-overcome-the-fear-of-public-speaking/)
- Instruct the students to listen carefully as it will be discussed afterwards.

Time: 10-15 minutes
Activity: Discussion of the Podcast
- Initiate a class discussion on the podcast. Ask students to share their thoughts and feelings about the podcast.
- Highlight the importance of understanding the fear of public speaking and how common it is.

Time: 15-20 minutes
Activity: Discussion of the Main Points
- Discuss the main points of the article, focusing on the reasons why people fear public speaking and the tips to overcome it.
- Encourage students to share their personal experiences with public speaking and their strategies to manage their own fears.

Time: 20-25 minutes
Activity: Wrap Up
- Summarize the main points of the lesson.
- Encourage students to apply the strategies discussed in their future public speaking engagements.
- Assign students to write a reflection on what they learned from the podcast and the discussion. This reflection will be due in the next class.

This lesson plan aims to provide students with knowledge and strategies to confront their fear of public speaking. It also encourages them to reflect on their personal experiences and feelings towards public speaking.

One Page Handout

Absolutely, Iuri. Here is a one-page handout summarizing the main points of your article, written in a way that will resonate with high school students:

---

# Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

## Understand Your Fear
- **You're not alone:** Over 75% of people fear public speaking.
- **Why are you afraid?** Fear of judgment, making a mistake, being the center of attention, past negative experiences, and the unpleasant feelings of fear and anxiety are common reasons.

## Three Key Ideas to Overcome Fear
1. **Change your opinion about judgment:** Judging is a natural brain function. Instead of fearing judgment, learn to make accurate judgments and give others the freedom to do the same.
2. **Your life is not social media:** Don't obsess over what others think. Focus on delivering your presentation well, that's your business.
3. **Be valuable, not valued:** Don't let your value be determined by others' opinions. Focus on being valuable to others and to yourself.

## Tips for Overcoming Fear and Delivering a Good Speech
1. **Prepare well:** Understand your topic to boost your confidence.
2. **Practice:** The more you practice, the better you'll be.
3. **Create a simple outline:** Remember the main ideas, not every little detail.
4. **Admit or make fun of your nervousness:** This can help you relax and connects you with your audience.
5. **Don't worry about perfection:** Leaving things out or forgetting some points is normal.
6. **Use examples or short experiences:** This helps your audience connect with what you're saying.
7. **Start strong:** Break the ice with a question, quote, joke, or interesting fact.
8. **Learn to laugh at yourself:** Embrace growth and progress, and allow for mistakes.

Remember, you are capable of overcoming your fears with time, experience, repetition, and effort. The thing that terrifies you now can one day be something you enjoy and even look forward to.

---

I hope this handout serves as a useful guide for high school students dealing with the fear of public speaking.

Quiz

Sure, here's a multiple choice quiz based on your article titled "Can I Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking?"

Quiz:

1. What is the technical term for the intense fear of public speaking?
a. Agoraphobia
b. Glossophobia
c. Arachnophobia
d. Acrophobia

2. According to the article, what are the two most common fears after public speaking?
a. Heights and Bugs, snakes, or other animals
b. Dark and Water
c. Flying and Closed spaces
d. Failure and Rejection

3. Which of the following reasons can make you nervous while speaking in public?
a. Worried about negative judgment
b. Fear of making a mistake
c. Afraid to be the center of attention
d. All of the above

4. What should you do to overcome your fear of what people think of you?
a. Resist it
b. Ignore it
c. Accept it
d. Fight it

5. Which of the following is suggested to focus on instead of obsessing about being valued?
a. Being valuable
b. Being popular
c. Being successful
d. Being perfect

6. What is one of the most crucial steps in preparing for a public speech?
a. Buying a new outfit
b. Practicing
c. Eating a good meal
d. Sleeping well

7. Which of the following can help you deliver a good speech or presentation?
a. Reading from a script
b. Making fun of your nervousness
c. Talking fast to finish quickly
d. Avoiding eye contact

8. What is one strategy to start your speech strongly?
a. Tell a long life story
b. Ask a question or use a famous quote
c. Start with a complex theory
d. Discuss politics

9. What is one key tip to remember while presenting?
a. You need to say everything you want to say
b. You should not laugh at yourself
c. You should not make mistakes
d. You don't have to say everything you want to say

10. How should you view your mistakes during the learning process?
a. As proof of your incompetence
b. As a sign of failure
c. As a part of growth and progress
d. As a sign you should quit

Answer Key:

1. b. Glossophobia
2. a. Heights and Bugs, snakes, or other animals
3. d. All of the above
4. c. Accept it
5. a. Being valuable
6. b. Practicing
7. b. Making fun of your nervousness
8. b. Ask a question or use a famous quote
9. d. You don't have to say everything you want to say
10. c. As a part of growth and progress

Summary

Hey wonderful friends, it's me, Iuri Melo, your friendly Licensed Therapist and Co-founder of Schoolpulse. Today, I want to talk about a fear that's common to most of us - the fear of public speaking. If you've ever felt your heart racing, palms sweating, and mind going blank at the thought of speaking in front of an audience, know that you're not alone. It's absolutely normal to be nervous about public speaking, in fact, over 75% of people rate it as their number one fear!

You might be wondering, "Why do I get so nervous?" Well, there could be a number of reasons - fear of judgment, fear of messing up, fear of being the center of attention, or maybe a past negative experience. But let me share something with you, you're stronger than your fears. You have the power to overcome them and to grow in confidence and mastery.

Now, let me share three ideas that could help you face your fears. First, change your opinion about judgment. Remember, judgment is neutral, it can be good or bad. So, let your focus be on making the right judgments, and being fair and compassionate. Second, understand that your life isn't an Instagram or Facebook post. You're not here to please everyone. Instead, you're here to share your thoughts and ideas, and that's what truly matters. Lastly, focus on being valuable instead of being valued. Your worth isn't determined by the opinions of others but by how you value yourself and contribute to others.

Now let's talk about some practical tips that can help you conquer your fear of public speaking. Preparation is key – understand your material well and practice as much as you can. Make a simple outline to organize your thoughts and to help you deliver your speech effectively. It's okay to admit you're nervous, it's a shared human experience. Don't worry about saying everything you want to say. Keep it short and simple. Use examples or share short experiences that your audience can relate to. Start strong with an engaging opening and learn to laugh at yourself. Perfection isn't the goal, growth is.

Remember friends, don't sell yourself short. With time, experience, and effort, you can turn this fear into something you enjoy. Trust me, you got this! See you soon.

TL;DR

Sure, here's a summary of the key takeaways from the article "Can I Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking?" in a TLDR format:

"I shared tips on how to overcome the fear of public speaking, a fear that affects over 75% of the population. It's important to remember that being nervous is normal, and it's okay to feel anxious when in front of a crowd. This fear often stems from concerns about negative judgment, making mistakes, being the center of attention or past negative experiences.

I suggested changing your perspective on judgment, as it's a neutral process that our brains naturally do. Judging can be done in a kind, considerate way, not just negatively. Accepting the fact that people will make judgments can help alleviate the fear associated with it.

Another important mindset shift is focusing on being valuable, rather than obsessing over being valued. This helps to maintain your emotional stability and not let it fluctuate based on others' opinions.

As for practical advice, I recommended preparing well, practicing a lot, creating a simple outline for your speech, admitting or making fun of your nervousness, and not worrying about saying everything perfectly. Including an example or short experience can make your speech more relatable, and starting strong with an interesting fact or question can engage your audience.

Lastly, learn to laugh at yourself and embrace mistakes as a part of growth and progress. With time, experience, repetition, and effort, public speaking can become a skill you enjoy and even look forward to."

Additional Materials

Sure, Iuri. Here's your information formatted in HTML: ```html

Dear students,

I encourage you all to read the article "Can I Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking?" by Iuri Melo, our licensed therapist and a co-founder of Schoolpulse. Please take notes on the key points as it contains valuable tips and strategies to overcome the fear of public speaking.

I've also found some additional articles that you might find interesting and helpful. They are all related to overcoming fear of public speaking and are suitable for your age group:

Happy reading!

``` This HTML will produce the following text: Dear students, I encourage you all to read the article ["Can I Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking?"](https://schoolpulse.org/activity/can-i-overcome-the-fear-of-public-speaking/) by Iuri Melo, our licensed therapist and a co-founder of Schoolpulse. Please take notes on the key points as it contains valuable tips and strategies to overcome the fear of public speaking. I've also found some additional articles that you might find interesting and helpful. They are all related to overcoming fear of public speaking and are suitable for your age group: - ["How to Overcome a Fear of Public Speaking"](https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-overcome-a-fear-of-public-speaking-3024317) - Verywell Mind - ["12 Fast Tips for Better Public Speaking"](https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/communication-success/201711/12-fast-tips-better-public-speaking) - Psychology Today - ["7 Ways to Overcome a Fear of Public Speaking"](https://www.ditchthelabel.org/7-ways-to-overcome-a-fear-of-public-speaking/) - Ditch the Label - ["How to Speak So That People Want to Listen"](https://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_how_to_speak_so_that_people_want_to_listen) - TED Happy reading!

Indiviual Activities

Activity 1: Fear and Judgment Journaling (5-7 minutes)
I want you to spend the next few minutes reflecting on your own fears and judgments related to public speaking. Take a piece of paper and divide it into two columns. On one side, write down all the fears you have about public speaking. On the other side, write down any judgments you feel others might have about you when you're speaking in public. Afterwards, read what you've written and reflect on how these fears and judgments might be holding you back, and how you can change your perspective to view them in a more positive light.

Activity 2: Practice Makes Better (5-7 minutes)
Now, I want you to choose a topic that you're passionate about. It could be a hobby, a book you love, a cause you care about, anything at all. Write a short two-minute speech about it. Don't worry about getting it perfect, just focus on getting your thoughts down. Once you're done, stand up and deliver your speech aloud. Remember, the goal isn't perfection, but progress. This activity will help you build confidence and take one step closer towards overcoming your fear of public speaking.

Activity 3: Value Over Being Valued (5-7 minutes)
For this last activity, I want you to think about a time when you were valuable to someone else. Write a short paragraph about this experience, detailing what you did and how it made you and the other person feel. Then, reflect on how focusing on being valuable, rather than being valued, made a difference in this situation. Can you apply this mindset to your public speaking? Consider how shifting your focus from worrying about what others think of you, to how you can provide value to others, might change your perspective on public speaking.

Group Activity

Absolutely, Iuri. Here's an activity called "Fear to Freedom: Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety" that students can do in groups. It's designed to be fun, interactive, and most importantly, helpful in addressing fears related to public speaking.

Step 1: Understanding our Fears (1-2 minutes)
Begin the activity by saying, "As we've discussed in the article, fear of public speaking is common. Let's start by understanding our own fears and how they might affect us. In your groups, discuss what worries you most about public speaking. Is it the fear of judgment? Forgetting what to say? Or just the feeling of being in the spotlight? Share your thoughts within your group."

Step 2: Judgement Shift (1-2 minutes)
Next, say, "Now that we've identified our fears, let's try to shift our perspective on judgment. Remember, judging is a neutral act and it's how we perceive it that can make it negative or positive. In your groups, discuss how you can change your perspective on judgment when it comes to public speaking."

Step 3: Value vs Being Valued (1 minute)
Proceed to the next step by saying, "Let's focus on being valuable rather than being valued. In your group, discuss how you can bring value to your audience when you're speaking. What can you share that would be insightful, helpful, or inspiring? Discuss and jot down a few ideas."

Step 4: Practice Makes Better (1-2 minutes)
Finally, say, "Alright, now it's time for a little practice. Remember, practice doesn't make perfect, but it does make better. Choose one person in your group to deliver a short, one-minute speech on a topic of their choice. The rest of the group should provide constructive feedback focusing on how valuable the speech was rather than on the speaker's performance. This way, we're focusing on being valuable, not on being valued."

Remember, the goal here isn't to eliminate fear completely, but to better understand it and learn how to manage it. We're all in this together, and with practice and support, we'll become more comfortable and confident with public speaking.

Homework

Absolutely, here's a simple but meaningful activity that you can do at home.

Activity Title: 'My Journey to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking'

Dear students,

To help you overcome the fear of public speaking, I have designed an interesting activity for you. This activity will take around 10-15 minutes and it is something you can do with your parents, siblings, or guardians at home.

Here are the steps:

1. Read the Article: Begin by reading the article "Can I Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking?" together. Discuss what you've read, and ask them what they think about the fear of public speaking. You may also discuss your personal experiences with public speaking.

2. Identify Your Fears: After reading and discussing the article, take a moment to jot down your fears about public speaking. They can be anything from worrying about making a mistake to fearing judgement from others. It's important to understand and recognize these fears to overcome them.

3. Change Your Perspective: Reflect on the three ideas mentioned in the article - changing your opinion about judgment, focusing on your business and being valuable. Discuss these ideas with your family and write down how you can apply these insights to your own situation.

4. Practice a Speech: Now, it's time for some practice! Pick a simple topic of your choice and prepare a 2-minute speech. Remember, the goal is not to be perfect but to practice speaking in front of others. Use the tips from the article like creating a simple outline and starting strong.

5. Feedback and Discussion: After your speech, ask your family members for their feedback. Remember, their feedback is to help you improve, not to judge you. Discuss what you learned from this experience and how you can apply these lessons to real-life public speaking scenarios.

This activity will not only help you understand your fears but also provide a safe space to practice public speaking. Remember, the more you practice, the more you'll improve and the less fearful you'll be. So, let's start this journey of overcoming the fear of public speaking together!

Best,
[Your Name]