Hate public speaking? You are not alone! Study after study confirm that public speaking remains our single greatest fear, even higher up in the list than death!
Console yourself. It’s normal and to prove it, here is a list of 10 famous people who suffered from presentation anxiety just as much we all do.
12. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
Shy, retiring and perceived as unattractive, Eleanor Roosevelt became a public figure by default of being the wife of the US President, FD Roosevelt. She proved that you can overcome your obstacles by dint of sheer will and persistence, as she became a celebrated and much in demand speaker and writer.
And if you’ve ever said the phrase ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’, you have Eleanor to thank.
11. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Here’s another guy, whose story of persistence is so compelling, I had to write about it in my own article ‘What can a monosyllabic cyborg teach us about public speaking?’
10. JAY Z
He had 99 problems and it seems that stage fright was one of them (at least in the early part of his career).
I think he’s all good now though!
9. JACKIE CHAN
8. MARK ZUCKERBERG
7. WARREN BUFFET
6. PRINCESS DIANA
5. MARGET THATCHER
4. WINSTON CHURCHILL
3. BEYONCE
2. CICERO
“Personally, I am very nervous when I begin to speak. Every time I make a speech I feel I am submitting to judgment, not only about my ability but my character and honour”
1. MOSES
Forget the Charlton Heston movie version. The real Moses got so nervous about public speaking, he asked God to send his brother Aaron in his place.
“Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue” – Exodus 4:10
Hope you feel better! Please share this with someone you know that needs to feel better about presentation anxiety.
Preparation always helps so download your Free Speech Preparation Checklist
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