Does the thought of giving a speech in front of hundreds of people on stage make you break out in a cold sweat? You’re not alone! Lots of people suffer from anxiety around public speaking, but do you know why? Keep reading to learn more about public speaking and how to lessen your anxiety around it!
Why People Are Afraid Of Public Speaking
There’s no one size fits all reason why people are afraid of public speaking. One of the most common reasons may be because of fear of the unknown. If you are nervous about giving a speech and you don’t give them on a regular basis, it could cause anxiety. When nervous, your body will start releasing more adrenaline in response to the fight or flight response. If you are a highly anxious person, public speaking may make you more anxious. It’s not always the act of public speaking that makes people afraid of it. Instead, the preparation that is necessary before giving a big presentation could cause anxiety as well. Looking at notes, reviewing what you’ll say, and how people will react to you could be what you’re afraid of, in addition to the act of getting on stage and dealing with public speaking.
Public speaking requires people to appear confident and well put together. However, you may not feel well prepared when you get up on stage. If your fight or flight response gets activated, you may start to obsess about what people are thinking of you. This becomes even harder if you are presenting ideas that are new, or haven’t been discussed before. No matter why you’re afraid of public speaking, the fear of the unknown is often part of what you’re so terrified of.
How To Reduce Your Anxiety Around Public Speaking
Being afraid of public speaking can be frustrating, and makes success in work or play more difficult. Through practice and mindfulness, it is possible to reduce your anxiety around public speaking.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you know that you’re terrified of public speaking, one of the ways to reduce your anxiety is to actually confront it head-on. Start small, and work your way up. An open mic at a coffee shop or bar can be a great place to practice a speech that you need to make. Chances are, you won’t know anybody in the audience, and can focus instead on breathing through your anxiety and finishing. Another way to get more practice is to get a few friends together to listen to your speech. They’ll be able to give you critiques and recommendations on how to make your speech better before you have to deliver it.
Remember To Breathe
This might seem like a silly one, but breathing is important! If you have to give a speech, make sure to breathe mindfully. Deep breaths can help your body realize that you aren’t in any danger, and make your heart rate slow down. Breathe in through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth. If you’re hyperventilating in the corner before you go on stage, you’ll only make things worse.
Take A Public Speaking Class
Nothing about being forced to participate in public speaking is fun, but it is crucial. You’ll never stop having to deal with public speaking, so consider taking a class on how to excel at it. The first time you get up on stage might be the scariest experience of your life, but consistently working on your public speaking skills will make you more poised and eloquent. This skill is helpful in all facets of your life!
If your fear of public speaking is holding you back, contact the Scarborough NeuroDevelopment Center for an appointment today!
