For many people, public speaking is not on their list of favorite things. In fact, many surveys have shown that people fear public speaking more than death. This anxiety arises not just for speeches, but can also arise anytime we get in front of a crowd to present our ideas and even for one-on-one conversations at work. However, it is undeniable that being able to clearly and persuasively speak in your professional life is crucial to moving up in the business world.

In studies done by Paul L. Witt, PhD, assistant professor of communication studies at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, there are generally two types of people: Sensitizers and Habituaters (for more detailed discussion, go here). Sensitizers get more anxious after they start, while habituaters become more relaxed.

Habituaters are usually low-trait anxiety people. People with high-trait anxiety, Witt says, tend to be “sensitizers.”

“Sensitizers are those who really focus on the unpleasant indicators..They are really into the experience but react in negative ways, whereas habituaters are really into the experience and react in a more accommodating way.”

While there is not really a way to go from being a sensitizer to habituator, there are strategies for being more confident and effective in speaking. There are numerous articles available discussing how to deal with the fear of public speaking.

Nothing beats practice, so just get in situations where you have to present or speak publicly. Try to maintain eye contact while speaking (without staring them down), mind your fidgeting, and relax. For extra practice, consider joining your local Toastmasters.

Fear of Public Speaking Hardwired from WebMD.com