The Bard-Brain Connection: Utilizing Shakespeare to Build Confidence and Conquer the Fear of Public Speaking

Seventy-five percent, yes, seventy-five percent of the population, according to data from the National Institute of Health, admits to a fear of public speaking. This high percentage has led to the adage that 'people would rather die than give a speech in public' as public speaking is often rated higher than dying for many people in self-report anxiety studies (also lower on the list: spiders, heights, and flying). While this is a common phobia, it can negatively affect our growth, both personally and professionally. With that in mind, did you ever consider William Shakespeare might be an unorthodox key to overcoming fear and manifesting radically transformative experiences? Shakespeare's work is charged with emotional power, relatable and complex characters, and the brilliance of unparalleled wordplay, allowing for a niche but accessible route toward personal development. 

For example, Plays like Antony and Cleopatra, Titus Andronicus, and The Merchant of Venice are overflowing with palpable emotions and universal themes such as love, betrayal, revenge, justice, and mercy. If we allow ourselves to be immersed in Shakespeare's works (and remember the sonnets; there is some AMAZING writing there), we connect with an expansive web of human experiences; this fosters empathy development and self-awareness. This emotional understanding can be a dynamic tool for cultivating self-esteem and encouraging further exploration and understanding of our feelings. 

Research corroborates the idea that when we engage with complex literature, we can further expand our emotional intelligence and capacity for empathy. Psychology of Aesthetic, Creativity, and the Arts published one such study that concluded that reading literary fiction, including Shakespeare, enhances our ability to comprehend others' mental states more robustly. By becoming more attuned to the emotions of oneself and others, we again find empathy and self-esteem linking together in growth.

Multifaceted and relatable characters are a Shakespearean specialty. Personalities like Hamlet, Lady Macbeth, and Othello grapple with internal conflicts and personal dilemmas that are no less relevant today than they were 400 years ago. By studying and performing the characters, we can gain deeper infighter into our strengths and vulnerabilities. The more we know about ourselves, the more authentically we can present to the world, and when we are comfortable with our authentic selves, confidence becomes second nature.

The Bard's mastery of rhetoric can be a model for modern-day speech creation. William Shakespeare's language acumen was unparalleled; he's credited with creating 1,700 words in the modern vernacular. As we study his speeches, we learn persuasive communication techniques such as rhythm, rhyme, rhetorical questions, and the use of metaphor, all of which serve to continue crafting public speaking skills and boost confidence.

Another benefit of embracing the complexity of Shakespeare's language is that it improves cognitive processing function. According to the University of Liverpool, reading Shakespeare's texts ignites brain activity, which increases cognitive engagement at a markedly higher level than contemporary texts.

All of these studies and recitations are finally combined with exposure therapy. Exposure therapy, a key and well-documented intervention for reducing social anxiety associated with public speaking, can allow a person to essentially 'reset' their fight-or-flight response. Performing scenes, soliloquies, sonnets, or monologues from Shakespeare's folio in front of an audience, even a small one, even an audience of two, will begin rewiring the brain to reduce anxiety and build confidence over time. 

Now, let us put theory into practice a few practical steps for using Shakespeare to build confidence and conquer the fear of public speaking:

1. Read Aloud

The text was meant to be performed! The Bard never intended his word to be read silently or slumped down on a high-school desk. No! It was meant to be spoken, full-chested to the masses! While the language is challenging and will test your concentration limits, you will be rewarded with better focused and improved articulation. 

Pick one of Shakespeare's sonnets and begin practicing reciting it aloud. Really focus on the text and the emotional meaning of each word as you try to channel that feeling through your voice. By embracing the emotionally charged language of Shakespeare, we, too, can become more comfortable expressing ourselves authentically in public.

2. Character Work

If we are brave enough to dive into the psychological makeup of Shakespearean characters, we are provided with invaluable clues into the motivations behind human behavior. When we understand what motivates a character, we can better appreciate and understand our emotional reactions. Therefore, it stands to reason that when we know what motivates an audience, we can better tailor our speaking to them, allowing us to be more comfortable and confident. Each time we have a successful public speaking experience, the brain is reinforced with the message,' You can do this!'

Choose any monologue from one of Shakespeare's plays and break down what the character really wants and what emotions are elicited from that need. As you uncover your character's motivations, you will be developing tools that will allow you to use the same skills to hone a deeper understanding of your emotions and how to use them in your favor when speaking publicly. 

3. Group Work

I love groups. I'm a group work nerd. Group work is transformative! Can you tell I like group work? When we work with others to analyze and break down Shakespeare's texts, we find new ways to articulate thoughts and opinions while learning to deal with those who both challenge and validate our beliefs. 'Table Work,' as it is often referred to during the rehearsal process, allows for a technical breakdown of the language for a better understanding of the piece as a whole. This collaborative process is an excellent way for shy and anxious individuals to begin their journey toward comfort when speaking in public.

With a group, decide on a scene from the Shakespeare play of your choice, cast the roles, and discuss the motivations of each character and how they manifest within the selection. Take turns performing the scene, each time switching characters to see what new emotional resonance each person can bring to the role. Often, when we feel we are 'in character,' that invisible mask allows us to let down our guard and live in the moment, and when we are living in the moment, we are not focused on the past or present, which means there is no room for anxiety.

4. Understand and Utilize Rhetoric

Shakespeare was a master in rhetoric, and if we analyze his work and understand what he was doing on a technical level, we can improve our communication skills, allowing us to craft persuasive and impactful speeches that can be delivered with confidence. 

Go big and select one of the famous monologues such as "Once more unto the breech," "To be or not to be," or "Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears," and highlight the effective rhetorical devices being used (repetition, rhyme scheme, alliteration, etc.) and what the intended effect of each is. Practice giving the speech in a mirror, focusing on evoking the intended response from your imaginary audience. As a side note, mirror work is excellent preparation for anything from an opening night on Broadway to an important conversation with a coworker. 

5. Performance Practice

We can't hide in our Shakespeare Analyzation Groups forever. When we recite scenes and monologues in front of an audience (and don't die), we teach our brain that there is nothing to fear. Over time, the more you speak in public, the greater your confidence will be, and your public speaking skills will continue to develop.

Organize a mini-performance. The focus should be on delivering the lines with emotion, confidence, and volume. As time passes, grow your audience and watch your self-esteem grow, too.

The complete works of William Shakespeare offer a robust and dynamic resource for personal development. By bravely engaging with his work, we can upgrade our emotional intelligence, increase self-esteem, and harness anxieties related to a fear of public speaking. When we read, dissect, and bring the work alive with our bodies and voices, we can develop skills that will allow us to transform ourselves and those around us through deeper self-awareness, greater empathy, and honed communication skills. 

Incorporating these steps into your personal growth routine will give you the power to confidently speak publicly. Embrace the fear to lose the fear by allowing the Bard's words to guide you along the path of growth and personal empowerment!