Overcoming Public Speaking Nerves: What Can I Do?

One of the most common social phobias is public speaking nervousness; simply defined as the anxiety of speaking to a larger group of people than tolerated. These apprehensions are usually due to the never-ending worrying about your capabilities and too worried with the view of the audience. The seriousness of public speaking nervousness is when you are paralyzed by your fear, making yourself physically ill; more aggressive public speaking help needs to be found. Until you are able to research the best program for you here are a few tips to get through your next event:

Tips for Public Speaking
1. Practice: Practice your speech several times in front of family members and have them ask questions. The more questions you are able to answer the more proficient you will be come in the topic, becoming more at ease and you will not be caught off guard.

2. Limit Caffeine: When you’re feeling sluggish the automatic response might be to reach for another cup of coffee but caffeine will leave you feeling more anxious. Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee go for a quick walk. Exercising will lower your stress levels and increase serotonin which is the happy mood hormone. If you don’t have time for a walk try spending a few minutes in the sun; sunshine stimulates the pineal gland in the brain which produces serotonin.

3. Remember to Breathe: When you feel anxious the body responds by breathing short, rapid breathes which can cause hyperventilation increasing your chances of experiencing a panic attack. Before the speech find a quite spot and spend a few minutes focusing on your breathing; keep you breathing slow and controlled, it will help you calm down and eliminate anxiety. Focus on the breath entering your body and imagine the breathe grabbing hold of all the bad feelings and then breathe those bad vibes out.

4. Connect with the Audience: By sharing how nervous you are with the audience you will have the opportunity to create a connection. The connection will remind you the audience are people too, and they have stood in your shoes; everyone has to give a speech at some point in their lives, they are there to support and encourage you.

5. Pick a Comfortable Subject: If you are able to choose the topic for your speech pick something familiar. If you have a choice between speaking on your favorite hobby versus world politics chances are you will have an easier time discussing your favorite hobby. Also during your speech find areas to relate to your audience this will help them understand the subject you are discussing.

Just a few tips to help you through your next big event. Remember these tips are only small steps to help you and do not address any bigger issues you have with public speaking nerves. If you feel like you need more help please take the time to research self-help programs. It is ok to feel nervous and anxious prior to a speech but it is not ok to become physically ill; its best not let it get to that point before you seek the public speaking help you need. Overcoming your fears will fill you with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

When you are ready to find self-help programs and cure your public speaking nerves use The Best Anxiety Review Table. It contains a directory of widely accepted self-help techniques broken down by features into an easy to compare tool.