Dealing with Public Speaking Anxiety
Dealing with Public Speaking Anxiety
Anxiety has always been part of every one of us. No matter how we get away with it, there will be situations and circumstances that we will be bothered by our anxieties. When we’re not used to doing certain things, it is natural for you to get nervous. When we are dealing with people (especially those we don’t know, or are intimidated by), we tend to be uneasy. Also, when we speak in public, everything seems to be nerve-racking.
Public speaking anxiety for most people has always been a problem. Speaking in a large group of people can make you feel uncomfortable, kind of like being eaten alive. If you’re scheduled to give a speech in public soon, then right at this moment, as you’re thinking of public speaking, you can probably already feel your public speaking anxiety. You can’t remove anxiety, but you can definitely control it. Here are some tips that are sure to help you have power over public speaking anxiety.
1. Prevention is better than cure. Yeah. You’re hearing it right. Well, I don’t literally mean you prevent anxiety rather than cure it, but the same principle applies in public speaking. When you want to lessen the anxiety, you have to do all the necessary things to prevent it. What are those? Two of the main things are preparation and practice. When you know just what to do, you will be able to manage public speaking anxiety. Mastering your speech and gestures will ensure a great delivery during the public speaking moment.
2. Breathe deep before you start. According to studies, breathing deep can greatly reduce your tension. You may want to go to the venue early and have some breathing exercises ready for preparation. In this way, you are controlling the rush of blood flow and telling your body to get rid of any anxiety.
3. Don’t make it obvious. Cold hands and those big butterflies in your stomach are signs of public speaking anxiety that every speaker feels from time to time. It’s pretty normal that you feel that way so don’t worry. The trick is to make it so it is not obvious to your audience. Your audience will never realize that your hands are cold as ice and your stomach is gurgling, so don’t get caught up by these normal anxiety symptoms. Focus on what you’re saying and what you’re doing. Refrain from saying “uhms” and “uhhs”.
After a well-delivered speech, be prepared for a standing ovation. You don’t have to be overcome by public speaking anxiety, it is completely controllable, especially if you do all of the proper preparation. Congratulations in advance to your upcoming public speech, you are taking the correct steps to “hit a home run”.
