The support of parents is very crucial for helping children get rid of stage fear. Read on to know what parents can do to help children get rid of stage fear.The fear of public speaking is intrinsic in many people but in children it is expressed most often. Child psychiatrists and child behaviour research shows that freezing while talking in public is extremely common in children and even kids who are seemingly extroverted and friendly can get fear of
public speaking. Given that public speaking is a tool that one needs at many points in the academic and professional learning curve, as a parent you will obviously want your kid to be cured of the fear of public speaking. Here is how you can help your child.
Peer Practice
Children need to be reminded of the fact that they are not the only ones suffering from fear of public speaking. The moment your kid realizes that there are other kids out there who also feel stage fear, he or she will gain the confidence which is required to tackle the problem. Assemble an assorted group of children from the neighbourhood and groom them together as your child is going to need a relatable audience for the speech. Regular exercises done with a peer group will help significantly in overcoming stage fear.
Maintain a Schedule
It is true that overcoming
speech problems or fear of public speaking is not difficult. However, the fact that such impairments can only be tackled with discipline, dedication and adherence to a schedule is also true. A frequency of stage
fear conquering sessions of about twice a month is necessary. A frequency lower than that will mean that your child will forget all that he had imbibed from the first session till the time the next is reached. You will notice that the improvement rate will be slow at first but will gradually pick up as the sessions progress. By the sixth session you are sure to see noticeable results.
Acknowledge Progress
Most parents spent a lot of time and energy pushing their kids to excel in a particular field but conveniently forget to reward or acknowledge any progress that their kids might make. Child psychiatrists say that it is extremely de-motivating for children to not be acknowledged for the hard work they have put in and they are often instigated to stop putting any effort at all. So, it is very essential that you acknowledge your child and give out rewards when certain goals are achieved. If you are following the group grooming session’s model for conquering fear of public speaking then it is a good idea to reward each child in front of the audience; this will boost their
confidence.
Observe Public Speeches
As a parent you will have access to many resources that you can use effectively in helping your child conquer fear of public speaking. One good resource in this respect is old speech recitals made by public speakers, social figures, important politicians, activists etc. Ask your child to observe the diction of those speeches including the tone of voice, loudness, diction, uses of pauses and mannerisms etc. encourage your child to make his or her own observations and come up with ideas on how the effective traits of public speakers can be put to use in overcoming the fear of public speaking issue. The more involved and participative you make your child in these screenings the faster you will be able to help your kid improve his public speaking skills.
Technology Helps
Use your Smartphone, tablet and laptop as aids in helping your child conquer fear of public speaking. You can find out ideas online, watch relevant videos with your child and use the recording option in gadgets to record and replay the speeches that your child gives. Listening to web casts and learning webinars is also an excellent way that uses technology to help children overcome problems like stuttering, stammering, low confidence and fear.
With all the above remedies your child will surely be able to get rid of stage fear. But parental support is equally important. So, provide right kind of support, encouragement and love to your child so that he or she excels at public speaking.
Why do some children cope with stage fear? How to help children get rid of stage fear? Why is the support of parents important in helping children get rid of stage fear? Discuss here. 
