There are a number of characteristics of oral presentations which lead to fear:

• The speaker is alone;
• There is no further opportunity for preparation;
• Mistakes cannot be covered up; and
• An audience is present where members may be:
• hostile,
• experts, or
• management.

The cumulative effect of these factors is fear. To quote Jerry Seinfeld:

"I read a thing that actually says that speaking in front of a crowd is
considered the number one fear of the average person. I found that
amazing—number two was death! That means to the average person if you have
to be at a funeral, you would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy."

More scientifically, this is described as stage fright, or glossophobia; a phobia which affects the majority of people.

Proper preparation alleviates most of these issues:

• The preparation is finished,
• The presentation has been rehearsed and mistakes are most likely to be minor (and consequently ignored),
• A hostile audience member attacking a good presentation will be seen for what he or she is by the balance of the audience,
• A non-hostile expert is likely to appreciate a good presentation, will point out only glaring errors during the presentation (e.g., an incorrect assumption), and may give good advice after the talk,
• A good presentation will not waste the time of management.

and consequently, poor preparation is the greatest cause of fear and therefore preparation is key to a successful presentation. Never-the-less, fear will always be present and consequently, it is useful to look at the characteristics of fear.

Characteristics of Fear

Fear is a life-saving reaction of the nervous system. It is a collection of responses meant to support the individual in a dangerous situation. These responses include:

• An increase in
• blood flow and rate,
• blood-sugar levels, and
• respiration;
• Blood is diverted to the brain and skeletal muscles;
• The pupils become dilated;
• An increase in perspiration;
• A decrease in saliva secretion;
• Hair to become erect; and
• Faster blood clotting.

Each of these factors is meant to help an individual in danger: dilated pupils allow more light to strike the retina and therefore provide more information, erect hair makes the individual look larger (at least, in some species), more energy is available and it is delivered to where it is needed.

One consequence of fear is nervousness and another is the tendency towards flight-or-fight. Therefore, it is necessary to understand fear and instead of being dominated by the effects of fear, it is possible to use the effects to the advantage of the speaker.

• Successively tighten and relax muscles to release adrenaline,
• Accept that you will experience these effects and use the extra energy which they provide, and
• Have a glass of water ready.

Speakers who experience crippling fear (fear which causes them to falter in their presentation) should:

• Pause for a few seconds,
• Take a sip of water, and
• Look at the slide to re-orient themselves to where they are in the presentation.

Other things which the speaker can do to reduce fear are to:

• Be aware that the audience wants the speaker to be successful (they don't want to waste their time),
• Be prepared (don't do the presentation the night before),
• Stay within his or her area of expertise,
• Gain experience,
• Bring a glass of water, and
• Look professional (wear an appropriate outfit).