Archive for the ‘Public Speaking Anxiety’ Category

There is a lot of information on the internet today about eliminating your nervousness in public speaking. I suggest learning how to control it instead, allowing your nervousness to work for you and not against you which can take your delivery to new heights.

What I offer is not a tip or a trick but the most important thing you can do when you stand to speak. It is something physical.

1. it is something we don’t do;

2. it is something we don’t know to do; and,

3. it is something we don’t know how to do (properly).

Now that I have you totally confused, bear with me. Once I tell what ‘it’ is, you might say rubbish; although, for those of you who have done presentations in the past, you possibly remember running out of ‘it’ while speaking!

I am talking about breathing, specifically breathing with the support of your diaphragm, a muscular partition below your rib cage which separates your chest from your abdomen. 99% of the population does not breathe with this support which is why we are often called lazy or shallow breathers. It is a medical fact.

There is one group of people in the world, however, who must breathe with this support — opera singers. That is why they are often called professional breathers.

There is another group of individuals, though, who also breathe with this support and they are called newborns. Every infant breathes with the support of the diaphragm, but as the child develops he/she tends to stop this practice and reverts to using only the upper portion of the chest to breathe.

All mammals have a diaphragm. All mammals breathe with the support of the diaphragm. It is only the most intelligent of the mammals who do not make use of this extraordinary muscle. If you do not believe me, go stand in front of a mirror and take a deep breath. Did you suck in your gut, lift up your shoulders and throw out your chest? If so, then you just did it wrong.

When I started my business back in 1989, I joined the local chamber of commerce. At a new member’s orientation, we had to stand and introduce ourselves. There had to be 150 people in that room and I knew no one. While sitting there waiting for my turn, it suddenly dawned on me that my introduction was my business. As one who teaches people how to improve the sound of the speaking voice, I realized that if I blew that introduction, I could kiss my business goodbye, at which point I began to sweat. My heart was beating with such fervor that I could feel it in my cheeks. Finally it was my turn. I stood; I took a breath; and, I proceeded to say who I was and what I did. I sounded calm, collected, in control. They had no idea that I was ‘dying a thousand deaths.’ And, I knew it worked because when I sat down, a gentlemen in the back said, “That’s the Voice Lady!”

[Incidentally, if you are a woman, do you find your shoulders, neck, upper back, and/or jaw sore by the end of the day? I do not. I have plenty of stress in my life but because I breathe properly, I never experience tension in those areas. Trust me -- it's all in the breathing!]

Shallow breathing results in oxygen starvation which means we are not eliminating enough of the carbon dioxide in our bodies, thereby a toxic buildup occurs. And, while this toxic buildup has many adverse effects, for the purposes of public speaking, it actually increases our tension, our stress. Think of the last time you gave a speech or a presentation. Did the pitch of your voice go up? Did you find yourself breathless? Did you start speaking faster and faster? These are all symptoms of nervousness exacerbated by poor breathing habits. So ask yourself this question.

Would you like to remain part of the 99%? Or, would you like to become part of that 1% who allow their breathing to control their nervousness as well as experiencing a host of other benefits that have nothing to do with the voice or presentation skills.

Take control of your nervousness and let it work for you, not against you! The Voice Lady Nancy DanielsVoicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement and public speaking. Click here to watch Nancy describe The 5 Characteristics of Dynamic Public Speaking in her 8-minute video offers private, corporate and group sessions in voice and presentation skills as well as

Technorati Tags: panic attacks, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Anxiety, public speaking fear, public speaking stage fright

They say that man’s greatest fear is public speaking and that his second greatest fear is dying. According to Jerry Seinfield that means, “that most people at a funeral would rather be in the coffin than give the eulogy!”

To my knowledge no one has died from public speaking. Your hands may sweat, your voice may quiver, your heart may be pounding in your cheeks, and, you may have vomited before going on stage; but rest assured, public speaking will not kill you!

Are your fears of standing in front of an audience justified? If you’re not prepared, then you have every reason to be ’scared to death.’

Part of the fear of addressing an audience is the unknown. For many of us that is what is so thrilling about public speaking; for most, however, that is what is so unsettling. Admittedly, you do not know what will happen as you stand at the lectern which is why your preparation is critical to your success.

Of the thousands of people with whom I’ve worked, it never ceases to amaze me how many come to their class, their session, or their workshop unprepared. A guarantee for failure on the podium or at the head of the boardroom table is not knowing your material.

What that means is to practice your speech or your presentation out loud many times. Reading over your material to yourself is not practice because the flow of your words, while understandable in written form, may not sound as good out loud. You must practice just like the musician, the actor, the athlete, or the presidential candidate.

In regards to public speaking, this is called a rehearsal. Too many people look to squeeze in a few minutes to go over their script and I disagree. You should set aside time each day to practice and stick to your schedule. No matter how tight your agenda, do not cancel your rehearsal. Treat it just as importantly as you would treat a meeting with your boss or a potential client because it is. Your success in that speech or that presentation speaks volumes about you and your abilities. One of your most important goals in public speaking is to sell yourself as an expert in your topic or your field. And that can only happen with practice.

If you have the ability to video-record yourself, by all means do so. In playing it back, analyze what you like about your delivery and what you don’t like. What needs work? Video-recording is one of the best tools that I use in training others. By watching yourself, it will be easier to improve that which needs work.

That does not mean that you must record yourself each time you practice; but, it also doesn’t mean waiting until the last moment either. How you look and sound to others is something you cannot appreciate until you see yourself on video and is similar to hearing your voice on your voicemail, generally not a pleasant experience! It also would be a good idea to have someone listen to you during a couple of those rehearsals if at all possible.

While you cannot know exactly what will happen during your speech or presentation, being prepared is the best defense for the unexpected and is part of every successful delivery.

My advice? Practice; practice; and more practice. The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate, and group training in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It! the only video training course on voice improvement. For more information go to: http://www.voicedynamic.com/specialaccess1.htm

Technorati Tags: panic attacks, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Anxiety, public speaking fear, public speaking stage fright

It is often observed that many people’s top ranking fear is not death but having to speak in public. The joke is that these people would rather be lying in the casket at the funeral than giving the eulogy. Public speaking for people who suffer from panic attacks or general anxiety often becomes a major source of worry weeks or even months before the speaking event is to occur.

These speaking engagements do not necessarily have to be the traditional “on a podium” events but can be as simple as an office meeting where the individual is expected to express an opinion or give verbal feedback. The fear of public speaking and panic attacks in this case centers on having an attack while speaking. The individual fears being incapacitated by the anxiety and hence unable to complete what he or she is saying. The person imagines fleeing the spotlight and having to make all kinds of excuses later for their undignified departure out the office window….

This differs slightly from the majority of people who fear public speaking because their fear tends to revolve around going blank while speaking or feeling uncomfortable under the spotlight of their peers. The jitters or nerves of speaking in public are of course a problem for this group as well, but they are unfamiliar with that debilitating threat which is the panic attack, as they most likely have not experienced one before.

So how should a person with an anxiety issue tackle public speaking?

Stage one is accepting that all these bizarre and quite frankly unnerving sensations are not going to go away overnight. In fact, you are not even going to concern yourself with getting rid of them for your next talk. When they arrive during a speech/meeting, you are going to approach them in a new manner. What we need to do is build your confidence back to where it used to be before any of these sensations ever occurred. This time you will approach it in a unique, empowering manner, allowing you to feel your confidence again. It is said that most of the top speakers are riddled with anxiety before speaking, but they somehow use this nervousness to enhance their speech. I am going to show you exactly how to do this, although I know that right now if you suffer from public speaking and panic attacks you may find it difficult to believe you can ever overcome it.

My first point is this and it is important. The average healthy person can experience an extreme array of anxiety and very uncomfortable sensations while giving a speech and is in no danger of ever losing control, or even appearing slightly anxious to the audience. No matter how tough it gets, you will always finish your piece, even if at the outset it feels very uncomfortable to go on. You will not become incapacitated in any way.

The real breakthrough for if you suffer from public speaking and panic attacks happens when you fully believe that you are not in danger and that the sensations will pass.

“I realize you (the anxiety) hold no threat over me.”

What keeps a panic attack coming again and again is the fear of the fear-the fear that the next one will really knock your socks off and you feel you were lucky to have made it past the last one unscathed. As they were so unnerving and scary, it is your confidence that has been damaged by previous anxiety episodes. Once you fully understand you are not under any threat, then you can have a new response to the anxiety as it arises while speaking.

Defeating public speaking and panic attacks…

There is always a turning point when a person moves from general anxiety into a panic attack, and that happens with public speaking when you think to yourself:

“I won’t be able to handle this in front of these people.”

That split second of self-doubt leads to a rush of adrenaline, and the extreme anxiety arrives in a wave like format. If, however, when you feel the initial anxiety and you react with confidence that this is not a threat to you, you will move out of the anxiety rapidly. Using this new approach is a powerful ally because it means it is okay to feel scared and feel the anxiety when speaking-that is fine; you are going to feel it and move with and through the sensations in your body and out the other side. Because he or she is feeling very anxious, often before the talk has begun, that person may feel they have already let themselves down. Now, you can relax on that point. It is perfectly natural to feel the anxiety. Take for example the worst of the sensations you have ever experienced in this situation-be it general unease to loss of breath. You will have an initial automatic reaction that says:

“Danger-I’m going to have an episode of anxiety here and I really can’t afford that to happen.”

At this point most people react to that idea and confirm it must be true because of all of the unusual feelings they are experiencing. This is where your thinking can lead you down a train of thought that creates a cycle of anxiety that produces a negative impact on your overall presenting skills.

So let that initial “oh dear, not now” thought pass by, and follow it up immediately with the attitude of:

“There you are-I’ve been wondering when you would arrive. I’ve been expecting you to show up-by the way, I am not in the least threatened by any of the strange sensations you are creating-I am completely safe here.”

The key to controlling your fear of public speaking and panic attacks is that instead of pushing the emotional energy and excitement down into your stomach, you are moving out through it. Your body is in a slightly excited state, exactly as it should be while giving a speech, so release that energy in your self-expression. Push it out through your presentation not down into your stomach. You push it out by expressing yourself more forcefully. In this way you turn the anxiety to your advantage by using it to deliver a speech where you come across more alive, energetic and in the present moment. When you notice the anxiety drop as it does when you willingly move into it. Fire a quick thought off when you get a momentary break (as I am sure you have between pieces), asking it for “more.” You want more of its intense feelings as you are interested in them and are absolutely not threatened by them.

It seems like a lot of things to be thinking about while talking to a group of people, but it is not really. You’d be amazed how many different non-related thoughts you can have while speaking. This approach is about adopting a new attitude of confidence to what you might have deemed a serious threat up until now. This tactic will truly help you with fear of public speaking and panic attacks you have associated with them.

If your predominant fear of the speaking engagement is driven by a feeling of being trapped, then I would suggest factoring in some mental releases that can be prepared before the event. For example, some meetings/speeches allow for you to turn the attention back to the room to get feedback etc. from the group.

If possible, you might want to prepare such opportunities in your own mind before the engagements. This is not to say you have to ever use them, but people in this situation often remark that just having small opportunities where attention can be diverted for the briefest of moments can make the task seem less daunting. It my even be something as simple as having people introduce themselves or opening the floor to questions. I realize these diversions are not always possible and depend on the situation, but anything you can factor in that makes you feel less trapped or under the spotlight is worth the effort and can help alleviate fear of public speaking and panic attacks. Darryl Paul is the author of this article and runs the blog http://panicaway-now.blogspot.com/

Technorati Tags: panic attacks, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Anxiety, public speaking fear, public speaking stage fright

The thought of public speaking is something that is enough to make anyone get nervous. It is also called stage fright or speech anxiety – the anxiousness and fear that accompanies the negative thoughts one tends to have when faced with the prospect of speaking in public or in front of a large group of people.

Everybody can fall victim to speech anxiety: even celebrities and prominent people who are regularly under the spotlight sometimes still have the “butterflies in the stomach,” the sweaty palms, and the shaking knees that accompany the fear of public speaking. The possible causes of speech anxiety are numerous.

One could be previous failure in delivering a speech. The fear of repeated failure may cause an individual to develop an extreme fear to try again. On the other hand, inexperience, or never having given a public speech, results to an almost similar fear. Another common cause is shyness. The feeling of having all eyes focused on you at a particular time can cause much anxiety for a shy person who do not normally speak too much even in front of small groups. Some people just hate being the center of attention and the feeling of conspicuousness when speaking in public increases the level of anxiety and embarrassment one feels.

Another, and easier to resolve, cause of speech anxiety is lack of preparation. Without practice, the level of discomfort in speaking words that you don’t really know by heart is considerably larger. If you are not intimately acquainted with the content of your speech, if the words coming out of your mouth are not things that you actually have strong feelings for, chances are you will have the fear of being “found out.” The chances of being provoked into discussions you think you cannot have a strong opinion about and can defend increase the level of anxiety of many public speakers.

One of the first steps in overcoming speech anxiety is to identify your personal reasons on why you fear it so. Once you are aware of the cause, you can then work on finding solutions to your concerns. Whether you fear speaking in front of thousands or even in front of one other person, there are ways to manage your fear and improve your performance. From something as simple as practicing your spiels, making use of visualizations, or self-motivation to something like searching for professional help by taking up a skills training course, speech anxiety is not without “cure.”

These actions will help you develop strategies to overcome your fears or, if not, at least handle it in such a way that your anxiety will not be evident to your audience. There are several self-help books available that discuss tips and strategies to be better communicators.

Speech anxiety is a behavioral condition that is common to all humans. Different personalities may experience different levels of such an anxiety but the good news is that it can be overcome. With proper training and practice, anybody has the potential to be an excellent speaker. Bobby Dyland is a expert on anxiety and panic attacks who recently developed a free eCourse that lists a step by step process for understanding, controlling and finally beating anxiety.

If you are interested in learning more about his “Crushing Anxiety and Reclaiming your Life” eCourse and beating panic attacks once and for all, please go here: http://www.crushanxiety.com

Technorati Tags: panic attacks, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Anxiety, public speaking fear, public speaking stage fright

Don’t let these common fears hold you back.

A line from Caroline Casey’s speech at the Green Festival intrigued me. She said, “Our security used to be in laying low. Now, our security lies in showing up.” As independent professionals, it’s more important than ever to take on the challenge and speak up for our businesses. Sure, there can be fear in giving a presentation; there’s a lot of judgment in the world. But, what would it mean to your bottom line if you gave a talk that was focused, relevant and naturally persuasive? For our businesses to flourish, it’s time to get past any reluctance and dive in. Put together a talk for a local group or consider creating an on-line seminar. Do something that stretches you.

Some people I’ve coached have had very little fear when presenting a power-point slide show for their company. But now, when it comes to talking about themselves and their businesses, the vulnerability factor kicks in. Some people have grown so accustomed to others speaking for them; the thought of standing up and using their own voice is too intimidating. Some people have been criticized so severely that they’ll go to any length to avoid giving a speech. I’ve seen people spend thousands of dollars on advertising, using it as the only component of their marketing plan. What a waste… not only of dollars, but of precious life force. When we understand where the fear comes from and work with it in a positive way, we’ll have more business than we know what to do with. Our self-confidence will be a shining light for others. Some of the most brilliant public speakers I’ve seen and coached have had the worst stage fright. They simply made a decision to do what it takes to break free of it.

So, what does it take to show up and get results?

1) A belief in your product or service so strong that it overrides any anxiety.

2) A belief that you are the perfect person to be presenting these particular ideas and suggestions.

3) A true desire to help and empower someone else.

4) A well-thought out presentation that influences your target audience to take action

When you tap into these four, you won’t be able to hold yourself back. Look for the most appropriate opportunities to communicate your message with as many people as possible. One hour in front of a large audience is ripe with possibilities. (Beware; it can have serious negative effects if done too soon without proper preparation) Any major city has hundreds of networking venues looking for speakers. A simple google search will help you find them. Watch for these common mistakes that many speakers make and get help where you need it.

1) Lack of clear, organized structure

2) Poor delivery

3) Little or no emotional or intellectual connection

4) A weak call to action

When we step into a bigger domain, our hidden issues have a way of showing up with us. All parts of us become more visible. What made us successful at one point in our lives is usually the thing that’s holding us back from our next step. Take a look. There’s a lot of potential for personal growth as well as the growth of your business. When you’re ready for a significant leap, I invite you to consider creating a dynamic speech or hosting a lively workshop.

Pamela Ziemann has been coaching people with natural, authentic presentations since 1997. Build your self-confidence by signing up for her free e-course “Answering Tough Questions in the Moment” at http://www.OnlineSpeakingSchool.com You’ll receive 6 daily lessons, plus weekly tips to help you say what you want anytime, anywhere, with anyone.

Technorati Tags: panic attacks, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Anxiety, public speaking fear, public speaking stage fright

We all know that being in the public eye is not only a huge part of running a business but also a key aspect to being taken seriously as a professional in Network Marketing, Sales, Corporate Relations, etc. Unfortunately, the fear of public speaking can make or break our success in life.

Conquering the FEAR that most people experience when they speak in front of others is most easily understood in four steps that just happen to coincide with the actual letters in the word itself.

F – Fight/Flight E – Excitement A – Adrenaline Rush R – Rehearse

F – Fight/Flight A person’s initial response to an unfamiliar situation is either fight or flight. If you choose flight, then you are basically saying, “I’m out of here”. You run from being pulled out of your comfort zone and refuse the idea of change. People that seek success and aren’t afraid of confronting their fears usually make the other choice…FIGHT! They recognize that they are outside of their comfort zone and are willing to face those fears head on. Yes, it is very scary but don’t let fear take control by running away from your dreams!

E – Excitement When you make the decision to walk in front of an audience and open your heart up to a bunch of strangers, you are excited and eager to forge forward on your journey. The realization of being personally responsible for the initiation of your own dream and acting on that dream is so exciting that it is overwhelming for the human body. So, what happens next?

A – Adrenaline Rush You made the choice to fight your fear of public speaking, you’re excited about this choice and now your adrenaline begins to rush throughout your entire body. Your knees begin to knock, your hands shake, your skin becomes clammy and worst of all…YOU CAN’T BREATHE! An adrenaline rush will cause you to second guess your choice of fight, but don’t give into those negative emotions.

R- Rehearse The last and most important step in conquering your fear of public speaking is to rehearse. You must do it over and over and over again until you are comfortable in your new environment, you deliver an outstanding presentation, and you embrace your audience like you’ve known them for years. Rehearsal is the step that will determine the quality of your public speaking.

Motivating champions worldwide! John Di Lemme

For updates on live events, teleclasses and more

go to >>>>>> http://john-dilemme.com

John is an International Motivational Speaker, Author and Business Coach who, through his live-seminars, training programs, live teleclasses, and websites has made a reality for thousands of people worldwide.

John wants to give you a FREE copy of his e-book

“177 Motivational Quotes to Live the Championship Life”

Go here now >>>> www.motive8.me

Technorati Tags: panic attacks, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Anxiety, public speaking fear, public speaking stage fright

Panic attacks used to stop me in my tracks. When it came to public speaking, I just froze up. When you suffer from anxiety and have panic attacks, it can be an overwhelming experience. I don’t know about you, but if I have to speak in public, I’m starting to worry and panic weeks before the event even takes place. It’s a frustrating experience.

Public speaking is a very common fear. When you’re prone to panic attacks, public speaking can really push your anxiety buttons.

What exactly triggers panic attacks when speaking in public?

I know I used to turn red just standing up in a classroom and having to speak. Speaking in front of a group turned me bright red, and my heart would be racing, I just wish I knew how to stop panic attacks back then. What about office meetings? Do they make you uncomfortable also? If you’re put on the spot and have to express an opinion, do you have a panic attack? I know that it was extremely stressful, and while I knew what I wanted to say, and actually spoke, I was so overwhelmed inside, it was horrible. My pulse would be racing, I’d feel this throbbing in my head, my face would turn bright red, and my breathing would get more rapid. Let’s face it; sometimes it was really difficult to get the words out. I was capable of offering information, but the fact that I was having a panic attack made it feel near impossible. Now I know how to keep panic away, and you can too with a panic away program. You’ll be able to overcome panic attacks and finally feel comfortable with public speaking.

What exactly are people afraid of during panic attacks during public speaking?

Overcoming panic attacks means peace of mind. When you’re afraid of having a panic attach, you freeze up and are afraid you won’t be able to speak or are afraid the words won’t come out properly. This is more than jitters; this is an incredibly uncomfortable feeling when placed in front of other people. It’s a very threatening feeling inside, not your typical nerves. Unless you’ve experienced a panic attack, they can be difficult to express the fear and panic that goes along with them.

What should you do if you experience a panic attack?

Anxiety attacks often feel worse then they actually are. While they may overwhelm you, there’s isn’t an actual danger to you. This is an internal thing, and you can control the situation. Listen, a really great tip when it comes to public speaking is trying to remember it’s about the message you’re trying to convey, not about you. Take the focus off of yourself, and realize the information your expressing is good information.

So many people have a fear of public speaking, but when you mix in anxiety attacks, it can be frustrating. The first thing I’d recommend to push panic away, is to look into a panic away program.

Just because you’ve had anxiety attacks in the past, doesn’t mean you’ll have them for life. There is help, and there are ways to overcome your panic attacks. If you are ready to learn more about anxiety and panic attack treatments go on and check out the complete list of Natural Cures for Anxiety that are available now.

Technorati Tags: Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Anxiety, public speaking fear, public speaking stage fright

Summary: You can find many ways to overcome public speaking anxiety
. This article will discuss two methods, which are discovering what your fears actually are and visualizing yourself giving a public speech. You may be afraid and not know why. The importance of public speaking is immense. There is no reason to let your fear of public speaking keep you from progressing in life.

Method 1: Discover What Your Fears Are

Draw a line down the middle of a sheet of paper. On the left side list all the worst things you think could happen to you. For example you could be afraid of being criticized, so you would write “be criticized”, maybe you are afraid of looking foolish, or maybe it is stumbling over your words, you might be afraid of your mind going blank.

On the same left side next to your emotion articulate what your feelings are about that emotion. Let’s use “be criticized” as an example. If you are criticized write down how you think being criticized will affect you. In this example let’s assume you will feel stupid if you are criticized. You will write “feel stupid,” next to be criticized.

Understand that in most cases your worst fears will most likely not happen. Your deepest most ingrained fears are probably because of past experiences in a performance condition. Maybe you were involved in a performance condition and you were criticized on your performance and it made you feel horrible and stupid.

Time may have passed, but the experience is etched into your subconscious. It could be holding you back and you don’t know it. By bringing this experience to your remembrance you can analyze it in depth. Often by analyzing your past experiences you are able to shoot holes in your faulty assumptions or beliefs. You can better see things as they really were and thus be able to move forward.

Writing a journal is a method to analyze your past. Say it all and be specific. This will help unshackle the chains your public speaking anxiety and fear has on you. When you are given an assignment to speak in public, write in your journal about your feelings and emotions up until you give the speech. Assess your level of anxiety by ranking it on a 1 to 10 anxiety scale.

Ranking your anxiety will help you focus on what you need to work on first. Work on the higher numbers first. After analyzing your experience you may realize that your anxiety is unfounded. Your belief about your anxiety has now changed and your new beliefs have erased out your prior anxiety. Your feelings are based on your beliefs. Change your beliefs and your feelings will change.

If analyzing your experience still doesn’t do the trick, study it in depth. Read books and articles about it, or talk to someone who knows more than you do about that condition. Being able to come to terms with your past is important so you can be in the present. When you are giving a public speech you don’t want anything to hold you back even if it is subconscious.

On the right side of the paper on the top write down what you want to happen. Focus on what you can control. If you are interviewing for a job, you can’t control if you will get the job. So don’t write be hired because being hired is out of your control. You can control if you are confident, calm and poised in the interview which will make it more likely you will get the job.

Method 2: Visualize Giving Your Public Speech In Your Mind

Everything is created spiritually or mentally first before it is created physically. Dreams that come true happen because they were first a dream. Find a quiet place to meditate. Picture yourself in your mind’s eye giving your public speech. Visualize giving your speech in as much detail as possible.

Conclusion: Anxiety and public speaking can be overcome through analyzing your fears and visualizing yourself giving a speech. Research has proven that performance is improved when visualizing in your minds eye your performance first.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Learn more about public speaking and the author Bret Bradshaw by visiting MindBodyAndMoney.com.

Technorati Tags: Public Speaking Anxiety, public speaking fear, public speaking stage fright

Many studies suggest that for many people fear of public speaking is even worse than the fear death and dying. If you are someone who has to speak in public a lot, give sermons or any other form of public speaking, it might be wise to make a test for anxiety.

As amazing as that sounds, it means that most people at a funeral would rather be the person in the coffin than the one giving the eulogy! Although this might not be true, the truth is that public speaking is a test for anxiety that most people would gladly not face.

There are several tips and tricks that one can use to get over this dreadful fear. Most common used is the old “picture everyone in their underwear”, but while that trick may get few chuckles, there are quite a few more practical steps one can take when you need to speak in public, the test for anxiety that can be so very difficult for most of us.

Why Picture Them in Their Underwear?

We wouldn’t encourage any speaker to picture anyone in their underwear; that is just a good way to get sued – or to get sick, depending on the looks of your audience! However, the whole reason that this became a practice for public speaking, and a test for anxiety, is because this was meant to remind the speaker that his or her audience is made up of human beings, just like him or her.

The first step is to put your mind at rest as they are not there to hurt you or make fun of you as most probably they are nervous, anxious and afraid of speaking like most of us. In addition to that we all have our own little things we are terrified of as well so you can relax and realize we are all the same.

Another important tip when talking about public speaking, to test for anxiety, is to picture the faces of everyone in the crowd individually, and make yourself feel as if you are talking to that person one-on-one. Forget the crowd, which is only going to make you nervous.

Instead, really put yourself in that singular conversation with that one person. Speak to him or her directly during your discourse or sermon. You see how your anxiety lessens when you are having a face-to-face conversation with someone rather than thinking of the large number in the crowd.

The Actual Public Speaking Test for Anxiety

Many times people feel that the way they feel during the speech or sermon is out of their control and if they get anxious and nervous, that’s it. They will feel anxious and nervous.

To address your anxiety better, it’s very important to make a test for yourself before it’s time to make a speech. This is the real public speaking test and it comes before your speech.

To start picture yourself giving a speech, lecture or a sermon. Do you feel your heart racing and getting your palms sweaty? This test can be an excellent way to get to know your real mental and physical symptoms as you give a speech in a real live situation.

Are you afraid, and if so, of what? Of not knowing the answer to a question that’s asked of you, or of losing your place during your speech? Are you afraid of embarrassing yourself, of fainting or dying or throwing up?

Are these fears something you didn’t even have before we mentioned them? This can be a strong clue that you should take a public speaking test for anxiety before your lecture or speech. It’s surprising how strong the power of suggestion is; if you start to thing that you are or feel sick, you will be and if losing your place worries you it might happen.

However, you can use this to your advantage as well. If you tell yourself that you are going to be a strong, successful, forthright, dynamic speaker, then you will be. If you tell yourself that your colleagues or congregation or whomever your audience is will respect you and respond to you, then they more likely will.

To address your fears and reactions honestly and effectively you need to be honest with yourself so that you’ll know what your initial reactions and fears are.

Public Speaking Test for Anxiety – Preparation Is Important

As you are doing this public speaking test for anxiety it can give you a glue how important preparation can be. As you practise more and more and your material will become familiar you’ll notice that you are much less likely to have any problems with it.

Once you are truly prepared things like losing a place in your notes is easily overcome and you are much better able to answer any questions your listeners might have.

You should be very honest with yourself as you are taking this public speaking test for anxiety as that will point out your weaknesses so you’ll know where to improve. Use that information to your advantage and prepare well for your presentation!

After Making The Public Speaking Test – Put Things in Perspective

You still might have fears and doubts about your ability as a speaker, but that is only natural and very normal. We are all just human beings and we can only do so well with a lecture or a speech.

Someone might ask you a question and you don’t know an answer immediately. Disaster? No, just admit honestly that you are not sure and would like to research the subject and get back with them once you have more information. If something happens that might be embarrassing, just laugh it off and have fun! It’s not so serious!

There is no anxiety test for public speaking that is a cure for all, but after an honest evalution you are better prepared. Most importantly, public speaking is just a hard test for anxiety that you should feel proud of yourself to take on such a project and to get in front of an audience in the first place!

About the Author

Learn more about The Public Speaking Test For Anxiety and other issues on How To Solve Panic Attacks

Technorati Tags: Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Anxiety, public speaking fear, public speaking stage fright

The first strategy in overcoming a fear of public speaking is to try basic methods outside of medical treatment first. One of the best lay person’s methods is taught in acting schools and by public speaking professionals. It teaches a person how to take a normal stressful public speaking event and turn into something pleasurable.

There are some important strategies to overcome a fear of public speaking. Each one is designed to train a person to deal with their fear and make public speaking easier to do. Here are the facts, tips and do’s and don’ts that will help you overcome your fears:

· Public speaking is a normal part of life

· Public speaking does not just apply to politicians, managers or other high flyers, but to school presentations, charity speeches, wedding toasts and so much more

· It is normal to be scared when doing this for the first time

· It is also normal to have knees knocking together, hands shaking, voices trembling, thoughts getting jumbled, palms sweating and forgetting things

· Professional public speakers appear clever, successful, witty, polished, calm and entertaining, but anyone can appear that way

· It is normal to be just a normal nobody, make some mistakes, stumble over thoughts and words, tell unfunny jokes and/or even forget what is supposed to be discussed

· Differences of opinion are normal and not a reflection of you, the person

· Remember the ‘KISS’ principle: ‘Keep it simple stupid’

· Stick to major points (a minimum of 1+), break those down into finer points and so on, but not go off on a tangent; use an outline and cue cards; stick to the point

· Your outline should follow who/what, when, where, why and how

· Most of us would cringe at the idea of public speaking and panic

· Pretend that you know the audience as if they were your friends, or that you are dealing with an audience full of school children, but not that you are a public speaker

· Practice your speech beforehand, get a friend or confidant that you trust to listen to your speech as if you were already doing the presentation (learn it by heart); dress accordingly, do all the introductions, jokes and other things that you will do on the day of your speech

· Create a list of possible questions that the audience may ask you and prepare your answers on cue cards – practice these

· Feel confident in your own self and abilities

· Prime yourself as you step in front of the audience

· Project your voice to the back of the room, but don’t yell

· Focus on something in the room behind the audience that pleases you and make your speech to it

· Maintain an air of humility and sense of humor during public speaking events

· Don’t tell a joke that you cannot pull off

· Laugh at yourself if you make a mistake or forget something, and make a joke out of that – ‘laugh and the whole world laughs with you’

· Don’t prime yourself for disaster – these don’t usually happen

· We all have experienced embarrassing results, whether from a public speech or just a conversation with a friend

· Have a contingency plan available

· If you become speechless, take ten deep breaths, count to ten and have a sip of water – start again

· If the audience reacts badly, walks out and/or someone rallies a defense against you, ask for feedback from the person or persons involved in the situation

· Public speaking is about sharing thoughts, ideas and information

· Control yourself, thoughts, arrangements, preparation, practice, the room layout and any equipment that you may need

· People are people – some fidget; others ignore you – this is normal

· Ignore the non-listeners; talk to those who want to listen

· Don’t over prepare for things that may never happen

· You are successful now because you are trying to learn strategies to overcome your fear of public speaking by reading this article

· Believe in yourself

· Audiences don’t want to embarrass, judge you as a person/by your clothes, voice or anything else

· Audiences want to learn something new, no matter how meager that might be

· Most of your audience will hold you in high esteem because you had the courage to stand up and speak at all

· Your listeners want you to be successful!

These strategies to overcoming your fear of public speaking have been proven successful by both professionals and other average people like you and me. Remember: practice, prepare, believe in you, and laugh at any mistakes. It is definitely not the end of the world!

About the Author

Gary Miller was so scared that he actually passed out during a presentation and couldn’t talk after due to numerous social anxieties. To learn more about his journey to recovery and weekly FREE Social Anxiety coping techniques, you can visit his web site at: http://www.Social-Anxiety-Cure.com

Technorati Tags: Presentation Skills, Public Speaking Anxiety, public speaking fear, public speaking stage fright