What is anxiety related to public speaking?
The fear of being embarrassed or evaluated by one’s peers is the common cause of speech anxiety. We can be afraid that our flaws and deficiencies will be seen by a huge or small audience when we stand on stage, and that as a result, we won’t be accepted. Humans are incredibly sociable animals, and social interaction has a direct impact on our general well-being, so the idea of rejection in any form can be terrifying. It might even set off our fight-or-flight reaction, leaving us feeling exposed and terrified and resulting in bodily sensations like sweating, trembling, and a racing heart. Is public speaking anxiety disorder and fear of public speaking the same thing?
1. Don’t strive for excellence
Even the most well-liked public speakers rarely deliver a speech or presentation that is flawless. If you aim for perfection in your performance, you can end up disappointed. Alternatively, you might try to manage your anxiety related to public speaking by trying to see success in a realistic manner, anticipating mistakes, and accepting them as a necessary part of the process.
2. Aim not to imitate anyone else
It usually won’t help you to try to be the best public speaker, but you can watch and learn from them. You probably have a unique message and style, so trying to hide it by trying to be someone else could make you feel more nervous when you speak in front of an audience. Speaking in a way that comes naturally to you may help you seem more at ease and engage your audience while also reducing the likelihood that you will make mistakes.
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Consider the bigger picture
Try refuting whatever unfavorable ideas you may have had about the event. What’s the worst thing that may possibly happen, and how probable is it to happen? When it comes to public speaking, the scenario that scares most individuals is making a mistake and feeling ashamed. If this describes you, remember that embarrassing moments are inevitable and that you have probably experienced them in the past. You have overcome humiliation in the past, and you can overcome it now. Furthermore, any mistakes you may make will probably seem bigger in your memory than they will in anybody else’s, even though they may be little in reality.
4. Recall your motivation.
Why are you making this speech or presenting this? You might be able to ignore other things that could be stressing you out if you concentrate on that. Your main objective is usually to educate, inform, or assist others by communicating your message, not to win over others or become famous or flawless public speakers. Remembering this could make it easier for you to focus your attention on your primary goal and push aside extraneous worries.
5. Get everything ready.
There are two main reasons why it can be beneficial to thoroughly prepare your speech or presentation. It can, first of all, lessen the possibility that you will make blunders when presenting. Additionally, it could boost your self-assurance. To be ready to present, you may, for instance, conduct research, compile your main ideas, draft your speech, edit it, and rehearse it multiple times.
6. Put it into practice
Your confidence will increase as you practice your speech or presentation, which may help you feel less nervous about giving it. Practising your speech in front of loved ones can also be a very effective way to get you ready for the big event. Let them know that you’re seeking for frank and constructive criticism, not just praise or consolation, since they might have some insightful advice for your speech.
7. Make your audience feel like people
You may feel that the presentation is more of a conversation than a formal speech if you keep in mind that your audience is made up of people just like you rather than a frightening, indistinguishable group of people—even if you’re the only one speaking. This could make you feel more at ease and confident.
8. Get off to a great start
Using tiny gestures and a quiet voice at the beginning of your speech or anxiety may cause you to lose confidence more slowly. Rather, speaking clearly and loudly when you open your mouth could be helpful. The less stressed and anxious you may become about public speaking, the greater your start.
9. Don’t let a frown or yawn turn you off.
No matter what you’re talking about or how interesting you are, there’s a good chance that some members of the audience will yawn or fidget during your speech. It can be helpful to attempt to ignore these motions as they probably have nothing to do with you or your presentation and may only serve as a distraction.
10. Be prepared to make mistakes
It can be helpful to anticipate that, in situations involving public speaking, practically everyone will occasionally trip over their words. If this occurs, you may want to try to continue politely instead of bursting into tears at the first mispronounced word. It’s probably less embarrassing to take a deep breath, brush off blunders, and even laugh at yourself or make a joke about bigger gaffes than it is to tearfully exit the stage. Before the presentation, try to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help you recover more quickly from mistakes and regain your composure.