Fear of Public Speaking Phobia – Tips to Help you Through

For people who have to speak in public, the incidence of social phobia can be a distressing and occasionally immobilizing condition. People suffering from fear of public speaking phobia are often unable to handle the demands of speaking in public. This is because they are plagued with doubts about their ability and overly concerned with the views of the audience. The following are some quick tips which you can use to manage your fear of public speaking phobia:

• Rehearse Your Speech: There is nothing like a good rehearsal to get you better prepared for your speech. In order to overcome your fear of public speaking phobia, you will need to be more positive and convinced of your ability. Practicing your speech in the company of friends will allow you to pick on the areas of your speech that you might be uncomfortable with. The more confident you are about your speech, the less likely you will be to suffer from social discomfort. By ensuring that your confidence level stays high, you will be able to manage your phobia.

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• Stay Away From Your Coffee Machine: Multiple cups of coffee might seem the ideal way of mentally preparing for your speech but the effects of caffeine are more likely to leave you feeling extremely nervous and jittery. Instead of relying on coffee to get you going, you can take a brisk walk or jog on the morning before your speech. Exercising does not only rid your body of stress levels, it will also leave you with a natural and completely safe high.

• Remain Positive: Don’t wait until you’re standing on the soapbox before you remember to be positive. Your entire approach to the occasion should be a positive one. Stand in front of the mirror and reassure yourself about how lovely the day is going to be. By believing in the success of your speech, you will be able to prevent your doubts from overcoming you during the occasion. During your drive to the venue, it is also important that you remain positive.

• Breathe Properly: Don’t give into the urge of shallow breathing; short and rapid breaths will cause your body to hyperventilate increasing the likelihood of an anxiety attack. Instead of yielding to this, practice effective breathing techniques before your speech. Spend 5 to 10 minutes focused on your breathing. Slow and controlled breathing will calm you down ridding you of your anxieties and fears. You should also learn how to breathe normally during your speech.

• Stay Amused: Jokes and laughter are an effective way of quelling built up tension.  In order to ease the pressure of speaking in public, you can start of your speech with a short and funny joke. You can even mention the fact that you are nervous to the listening crowd. Dig deep and share some amusing anecdotes about yourself. Sharing a laugh with your listeners will not only calm you down, it will make you more confident. The most difficult part of speaking in public is the beginning. If you can engage them and yourself successfully for the first minute, the rest is bound to be easier.

• Pick a Comfortable Area and Style of Discourse: You don’t have to sound like a campaigning president. You can sound like—well—you and still deliver a first rate performance. In choosing the subjects of your speech, try and avoid diving into areas in which you have little or no knowledge about. Think about it, talking about your family or your favorite hobby is a lot less distressing that discussing foreign politics. In choosing examples or jokes for your speech hit on issues that are familiar to you. You not only will be more comfortable, your delivery will be a lot better and your fear of public speaking phobia will dissolve.

• Get Some Sleep the Night Before: You’ve got a speech to give within the next 24 hours but that’s still no reason to avoid a good night’s rest. Sleeping will give your body enough time to recharge its tired cells. You’ll wake up feeling mentally alert and well relaxed. On the other hand, staying awake will only put your body under undue pressure which will only fuel the likelihood of another anxiety attack.

These quick tips will not cure your fear of public speaking phobia, but they will help you get through the event. Remember, most social phobias stem from doubts that are mostly irrational. By staying positive and avoiding situations that will contribute to your doubts and stress, you will be able to successfully speak in public.

Deliver an outstanding speech and receive the accolades you deserve.