How I Overcame My Fear of Public Speaking | Dr. Justin Moseley | TEDxWilmington

Summary

Dr. Justin Mosley shares his journey of overcoming the fear of public speaking, a common struggle that many face. He emphasizes that everyone has a unique message to share with the world and that the key to conquering fear lies in realizing the importance of serving others with one's message. By shifting focus from oneself to the audience, and understanding that the physiological responses to fear and excitement are similar, one can transform fear into excitement. Mosley's story is a testament to the power of communication and the profound impact a shared message can have on others' lives.

Takeaways

• 😨 The speaker had a deep-seated fear of public speaking from childhood, which was reinforced by negative experiences.
• 🎓 College rekindled the fear during a mandatory speech class, further cementing the belief that public speaking was not for them.
• 🔑 The first key to overcoming fear was realizing everyone has a unique message to share with the world.
• 👉 The advice to consider one's past experiences and lessons as a means to help others was instrumental in the speaker's journey.
• 🤔 The speaker questioned their nervous thoughts before speaking and recognized the need to shift focus from self to serving others.
• 🌟 The second realization was that public speaking is about serving the audience, not about oneself.
• 🧬 Understanding the physiological responses to fear and excitement, and how they are similar, was a turning point.
• 🛠 The speaker learned to reframe fear as excitement, changing the narrative from a threat to a positive anticipation.
• 💪 Transforming fear into excitement was identified as a powerful tool for conquering the anxiety associated with public speaking.
• 👴 A personal story of impacting someone's life through a shared message underscored the importance and potential impact of public speaking.
• 🌍 The speaker encourages others to find their message, transform fear into excitement, and share it to make a positive impact on the world.
• 📣 The closing quote by BJ Palmer emphasizes the far-reaching effects of one's actions and words, inspiring the audience to consider their potential influence.

Q & A

What was the speaker's earliest memory of having a fear of public speaking?

The speaker's earliest memory of having a fear of public speaking was in the second grade when their teacher called on students to read aloud in class.

What was the effect of the speaker's experience in the second grade on their perception of public speaking?

The experience created a lasting memory that public speaking was not for them and reinforced the belief that they should stay quiet and avoid such situations.

How did the speaker's perspective on public speaking change during their freshman year in college?

During their freshman year, the speaker had to take a speech class and experienced the same wave of anxiety, which further reinforced their belief that they were not meant to be a public speaker.

What was the first key realization that helped the speaker overcome their fear of public speaking?

The first key realization was that everyone has a message to share, and the speaker's message mattered, which motivated them to start thinking about what they could share to help others.

According to the speaker, who is perfectly positioned to serve the person you once were?

The speaker believes that you are perfectly positioned to serve the person you once were, meaning you can use your own life experiences and lessons learned to help others.

What was the second realization that helped the speaker overcome their fear of public speaking?

The second realization was that sharing your message is not about you, but about the people you are there to serve, and focusing on the benefits they will receive from your message.

How did the speaker's understanding of fear and excitement help them transform their fear into excitement?

The speaker learned that the physiological responses to fear and excitement are similar, and by changing their mindset to positive anticipation instead of perceiving a threat, they were able to transform their fear into excitement.

What was the impact of the speaker's message on a man who had undergone quadruple bypass surgery?

The speaker's message inspired the man to get his health back, and not only did he recover, but he also went on to complete multiple Iron Man races, showing the power of the message.

What quote from BJ Palmer does the speaker share to emphasize the potential impact of one's actions?

The quote is, 'You never know how far-reaching something you may think, say, or do today, will affect the lives of millions tomorrow,' highlighting the potential for a single message to have a widespread impact.

What is the main message the speaker wants the audience to take away from their talk?

The main message is to find your own message, transform your fear into excitement, and start sharing it with the world to make a positive impact.

How did the speaker's approach to public speaking evolve from a fear-based mindset to a mission-focused one?

The speaker evolved their approach by realizing the importance of their message, focusing on serving others, and transforming their fear into excitement by understanding the physiological similarities between fear and excitement.