I recently had an interesting discussion with a still photographer, and it got me thinking about how most people fear public speaking. This photographer pointed out that most people just do not like the way they look in pictures. We came up with a theory as to why so many people feel this way. Tell me if you agree.

Most people walk around with a lot of protective layers covering up their true selves. They’re not trying to be phony: they just have protective layers that hide their insecurities or fears. So people generally don’t show their true selves, and when they get in front of a camera they’re even less likely to let their true selves shine through. And then they see a picture of themselves and think, “Well that’s not me!” Well of course it’s not you! You put up so many layers the photographer couldn’t capture the real you!

What does this have to do with the fear of public speaking? When you’re speaking in public, your audience is drawn in by your authenticity – and they are turned off by facades that are “put on”. Those protective layers you use in everyday life don’t do you any good on stage. The audience wants to see the real you. So perhaps the fear of public speaking comes from the fear of really being seen or really being heard – maybe you’re afraid that people will see the real you.

But if people see the real you, they may love the real you. And if they love the real you, then you may want to be the real you all the time, whether it’s in front of an audience, to a camera, or to anyone you interact with. I wonder what would happen today if you decided to show the real you to everyone you met. Be brave enough to let down a few protective barriers. Do you think their reactions would be different? Let me know in the comments section!