Public Speaking Fear: How to get out of it during an interview?

Many of us are afraid to speak in public. Shyness, embarrassment or just a lack of self-confidence. Speech therapist Agathe Tupula Kabola even thinks that it is: “the second greatest fear in the world after the fear of dying”. This is how much this fear is present in some people.

This fear can become crippling to the extent that it can block us during important stages of our lives: job interview, romantic relationships, social interactions, etc.

Tips for better public speaking during a job interview

Here are some tips on how to better approach the ordeal of public speaking during a job interview: 

• Know your audience well
• Identify recruiters' objectives
• Do not learn text
• Don't underestimate yourself
• Tell a story to capture attention

Know your audience well

Most often, you will talk to recruiters, human resources managers or your possible line managers. You must therefore anticipate interview questions. Thus, you will be ready for several eventualities and will be able to prepare the beginnings of answers or axes on which you concentrate.

Don't assume that people who are comfortable speaking have a gift. Not everyone is able to speak in public, but it is possible to learn the techniques necessary to be more comfortable.

Identify recruiters' objectives

At first glance, we can say that the primary objective of recruiters is to get to know you better. So, the rule to do well is to bring something new to what is on your CV and your cover letter.

So after preparing yourself for some interview questions, you need to prepare a few sentences to introduce yourself in two minutes. Practice breathing well and speaking in a tone that is not monotonous. In other words, have a humming voice without actually singing.

Do not learn text

We advise you to prepare a few sentences to help you start your interventions, but be careful, it is not a matter of reciting. It is a question of gaining self-confidence for the start of your interventions.

Being ready is reassuring, but not being able to improvise can have the opposite effect and heighten your fear of speaking in front of your jury.

Don't underestimate yourself

Very often this fear of speaking in public comes from a lack of confidence and a deep conviction that we are not good enough, not smart enough, not interesting enough to those who listen to us.

This attitude must stop as much as possible. If you are invited to an interview, it is because your profile interests you, it is because you can make your contribution and that you are capable of reaching new heights. Be convinced of your potential.

Once this conviction has been obtained, all you have to do is practice to bring out the best in yourself. You have so many interesting things to say, don't deprive your audience of hearing them.

Tell a story to capture attention

Dare to narrate to retain the attention of your interlocutors. When you listen to the radio or a podcast, notice that there is always a story being told. So when you're in front of someone you don't know or who impresses you, telling your story is bound to interest your audience.

You will notice that very often when you read or listen to celebrity interviews shyness often returns. We repeatedly hear slices of life that begin with: when I was younger, I was very shy, I did not dare to go to others and today I have managed to overcome my fear and transform it into strength .

Whether in your bathroom, in front of your mirror, or with someone you trust, practice speaking clearly and out loud. Pretend you are a theater actor. It may make you uncomfortable at first, but the exercise can become very fun.

So don't let a surmountable fear ruin career opportunities. Although many of us may not want the experience of speaking in public, it can help us overcome many obstacles. See these opportunities as challenges to be overcome. Have confidence in yourself and in your abilities: this is the best way to overcome this fear.