Is it possible to overcome a serious public speaking phobia?
betty asked:
If the suggestions as "describing the audience naked," "keep your eyes focused on the rear wall," "intra deep breaths all day," etc.. don 't work,? there other alternatives if public speaking? a part of your life? If a person? losing sleep and get sick to their stomach a week before the dell'aggancio speaking, overcoming that? ? possible?
Roy
If the suggestions as "describing the audience naked," "keep your eyes focused on the rear wall," "intra deep breaths all day," etc.. don 't work,? there other alternatives if public speaking? a part of your life? If a person? losing sleep and get sick to their stomach a week before the dell'aggancio speaking, overcoming that? ? possible?
Roy
November 21st, 2008 at 12:42 am
Toastmasters is an organziation which has met with much success, and is dedicated to helping folks just like you overcome this very common phobia. I really encourage you to consider joining. It’s a phobia and you not only can overcome, but one that you can turn into a STRENGTH you didn’t know you even had.
Best of luck,
~M~
November 21st, 2008 at 3:35 am
It is absolutely possible. I can give you some tips here, but also see a mental health professional. They can prescribe something relaxing (but not doping, like Xanax) and also help to talk you through it.
- Be prepared
- Know what you are talking about
- Keep in mind that these people do not know you, they are only looking at a professional pictures…it is nothing personal
- Practice deep breathing before you begin
- Speak slowly
- Pick one kind looking person in the audience and speak mainly to them
- Keep your shoulders back and your head up
November 23rd, 2008 at 5:30 am
I read about a survey which reported that public speaking was one of the most common phobias people had – so you’re not alone!
I think you should try cognitive behavioural therapy. You could also try hypnosis/self hypnosis. Find an experienced practitioner and they will help you lots. Tape the session so you can replay it at home.
If you’re in London, the City Literary Institute used to do a weekend course in public speaking; I know someone who went and she said it was fab.
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:25 am
Yes, there are ways. These are the tips people gave me to over come the phobia.
*Know what your’e going to say: write down ideas and phrases on flash cards. While presenting, look at them to refresh your mind.DO NOT READ FROM THEM.
*Have someone you know be there: Make sure at least one person you know and trust is there. If nervous, look at that person.
*Be honest: If you are nervous tell the audience. Honesty is the key.
*Practice: In front of the mirror,in front of friends,in the car, in the shower,anywhere. You know what they say: Practice makes perfect.
*Speak slowly: If you speak slowly, the audience will understand you.
*Get straight to the point: Dont waist time wandering around with stories.
*Relax: If you are nervous, talk to someone. Something I found comforting is to take a hot bath right before the presentation.
Well,hope I helped, and, good luck!
November 24th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Since its something you have to do on a regular basis and its causing significant distress, i would look into anti-anxiety medication. I also agree that you should seek out a local Toastmasters group to practice building your comfort level in front of groups. And yes, it is possible to overcome it.
November 25th, 2008 at 2:32 am
EFT, ( emotional freedom technique) is an easy system to learn. It has helped many people to overcome all sorts of phobias, in particular public speaking.
You can download a free tutorial on how to practice the basics yourself or you can search for a holistic practitioner that uses this technique. It has been highly endorsed by people like Deepak Chopra.
Also NLP ( nero-linguistic programming) has been known to help people with this. There is an example of an exercise to try on the link below
The link to the free EFT download is on the links page on the same site.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Confident speaking is certainly a skill which can be learned. The best way is to go to individual elocution lessons where you can learn the technical aspects to clear speech. Have a look at the site below for help.