What is one thing you can do if you are afraid to speak in public?

• A. Find a friendly face in the audience
• B. Practice in front of a mirror
• C. Breathe deeply and pause
• D. Speak as quickly as possible

Answer: (A)

The key idea is using social reassurance in the moment to ease public-speaking fear. Finding a friendly face in the audience gives you a cue that you’re not alone, which can reduce anxiety and help you regain composure. A familiar, supportive gaze provides nonverbal feedback—encouraging you to maintain eye contact, pace yourself, and continue with your message. This immediate connection can make the experience feel safer and more manageable as you deliver your words. Practicing in a mirror is a great prep activity you can do beforehand, and taking a slow, deliberate breath with a pause helps control arousal, but the in-the-munch moment tactic the option highlights is using a supportive audience member’s presence to steady yourself. Speaking quickly tends to increase tension and undermine clarity, so it’s not a helpful strategy when fear is present.