Sweaty palms, butterflies in the stomach, the need to find the nearest exit?
If you've ever had to address an audience, you may know these feelings all too well.
READ: Masterclass: How to manage your reputation
Did you know that the average person ranks the fear of public speaking higher than the fear of death?
But speaking skills are essential to getting ahead in a professional setting or in one's personal life.
So what are some of the best tips for conquering the nerves?
Bonsai Shongwe, bestselling author and inspirational speaker joined Azania Mosaka for a MasterClass on public speaking.
Shongwe says the problem is that most people are afraid of rejection, and of being judged.
So whenever we get up we think what if I forgot my lines and then I go quiet for five seconds, then everyone will be shaking their heads in shame.
— Bonsai Shongwe, author and public speaker
Mosaka played different clips on renowned public speakers, including a hilarious comedy clip by Trevor Noah and a famous speech by the late Nelson Mandela. [LISTEN BELOW]
Listen to the speech by Nelson Mandela:
Listen to the Trevor Noah clip:
Listen below to the full interview:
![[LISTEN] 'Lesufi has been attacking Afrikaans schools since 2014'](http://cdn.primedia.co.za/primedia-broadcasting/image/upload/fl_progressive,q_80/c_fill,g_faces,h_148,w_233/cxzzdkrgz3nmbfzgo1jc.jpg)
