Chapter 1

Fear is a Four Letter Word

Riots were shocking America that hot summer in 1968.  The nation's population, transfixed to their televisions watched, as the 1968 Democratic National Convention became the centerpiece of National attention.

Against this highly charged backdrop, a young governor from Georgia was selected to introduce Hubert Horatio Humphrey, the distinguished Senior Senator from Minnesota , and Vice-President of the United States , as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency of the United States . 

Sensing the historical implications of this moment, for the nation and his own political career, Governor James Earl “Jimmy” Carter approached the convention podium.  The convention fell silent, throughout the nation, millions of TV viewers joined with their attention.  Destiny was at hand, as Governor Carter began the speech of his lifetime.

Towards the conclusion of his speech Governor Carter was building to the introduction of Senator Humphrey with a crescendo of remarks laden with praise.  At the heightened moment of anticipation, to the cheering throng, Governor Carter said: "....and it is my pleasure to introduce to you the next President of the United States , Hubert Horatio Hornblower".

And you think speaking in front a group is only difficult for you?  How could such a dramatic embarrassment occur to an experienced speaker at such a practiced moment?  The answer is, the "Tiger" got him!  The "Tiger" is the dreaded speaker's fear, the root cause of "White Knuckle Speaking".

The pressure to be effective, and not be embarrassed in this situation, translates into fear, and it potentially affects all who accept the responsibility to be a public speaker.  Although your opportunity to speak may not be nearly as pressure charged as that of Jimmy Carter's at the Democratic National Convention, it may feel that way, or worse, to you.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

The author of "The Book of Lists" found that 41% of those surveyed rated public speaking their worst fear, while only 19% rated their worst fear as death. The top ten fears as listed in "The Book of Lists", by David Wallechinsky, and Amy Wallace are:

The fear of:       

           1. Speaking before a group.

           2. Heights

           3. Insects and bugs

           4. Financial problems

           5. Deep water

           6. Sickness

           7. Death

           8. Flying

           9. Loneliness

          10. Dogs

What you can ascertain from these statistics is, that when it comes to public speaking, you are obviously not alone in feelings of nervousness or apprehension that lead to gripping the podium so tight with your hands that you transform into a "White Knuckle Speaker". 

TIME magazine quoted famous actor Jimmy Stewart: "I've never been able to overcome the fear thing."

In the 1920’s noted radio announcer Harry Von Zell introduced then President Herbert Hoover to a national radio audience as "President Hoobert Heever"

The "Tiger" of speaker's fear, scientifically named   laliophobia, strikes at us all.  Actors, announcers, politicians, sports personalities, public speakers, and yes, even you.  It can cause misspeak, mental lapses and even physical problems.  Your actions when dealing with this phenomena can be called anything from freezing up, to choking, but we all know the feeling well. The challenge is to learn how to handle the "Tiger" when it shows up.

The "Tiger" can come from anywhere at anytime, but mostly he comes from the unknown.  That means he is usually ahead of you, where you have not been.  It also means that you will not move forward or progress, until you learn about him, where he is, and how to tame him.   

THE BIG CHOKE!

For $80,000 at the first Nationally televised LPGA "Skins Game", professional golfer Jan Stephenson, champion of many prior tournaments, was facing a straight, uphill, eight foot putt.  It was the final hole of the tournament, and she held a two-stroke lead, needing only to two putt from eight feet to win.  After a rigorous inspection of the green, she stepped to the ball, aligned her shot, smoothly moved the club head backward and stubbed the putt only three feet.

As an experienced golfer myself, I have learned it is difficult to putt “with both hands on my throat”!  The intense pressure placed on Jan Stephenson in this situation was more than she could handle she choked!

After sinking the remaining putt for the victory, Jan admitted to a national television audience: "When I was preparing for that putt, my legs were shaking and my arms were so tight that I could barely move."

Imagine a seasoned professional, such as Jan Stephenson, under the scrutiny of national television, feeling pressure to the extent, that she could not execute a simple putt, of the type which she had practiced, and successfully completed, many thousands of times before. 

This "fear thing", as Jimmy Stewart put it, is there for all of us.  Great professionals like Jan Stephenson, Jimmy Stewart, and others must face the "Tiger", as you must.  They must also break through the barriers fear erects so they may move on to new plateaus of success and opportunity, as you will.

Sometimes you get the "Tiger", and sometimes the "Tiger" gets you!  Is it any wonder that you and I might be a "bit nervous" (or should I say TERRIFIED!), when we are asked to give a presentation or speech to a group?

There are many stories of people in all walks of life, who when faced with the stress caused by the intense scrutiny of others, choked.  However there are also many examples of others who recognized that pressure for what it was, faced their moment of stress correctly, converted the energies wasted in fear to power and emerged the victor for it.

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