Did you know that public speaking is most people's NO 1 phobia?

I probably include myself in that list.

The bad news is that in my works, public speaking i.e conference calls, presentations, meetings are a regular occurence but I dread each event. I normally manage to stumble through whatever I have to say, but I hate doing it.

I want to get rid of this dumb phobia so much so that i'm thinking of attending a one-off shrink session.

I need to get rid of it or it could affect my career.

--

Anyone feel me? Any tips? I tried imagining everyone naked - that doesn't work.

Why don't you join a debate club? First you can learn to debate in a group and then eventually you'll be able to move into a one-one deal. Perhaps because I'm so opinionated, I never found public speaking to be a real problem, eventhough I'mcharacteristically shy and reclusive. There will be moments when I get nervous just prior to giving a speech or presentation, but as soon as I start, I really get into what I'm doing andmy nerves will quickly disappear.

Things I've found helpful:

Watch a video recording of yourself giving a presentation. Can be a little unsettling if you're not used to it, but it is one of the best ways of improving - you see you as others see you when you're talking, which is one of the things people get hung up about with public speaking. You don't need to involve anyone else in this if you don't want to.

When about to give a presentation, compose yourself for 5-10 seconds before you begin to speak - your audience will wait. Focus on the first thing you want to say, and how you want to say it. Slightly deeper breathing also works to get you focus. Get that right, the rest is easier - and if you're naturally a fluent speaker that will come through.

An alternative to this - as you get up to speak, imagine yourself doing something you are very confident about. What you're after are the feelings and sense of self you associate with confidence, and the trick is to keep that sense with you whilst you're doing your presentation. It'll be there anyway after a while.

If you can get someone to pay for a presentation skills course, go on one - ideally one that uses video. If you've watched yourself before, it's a lot easier to handle the feedback you'll get. Again a very good way of improving.


Lots of other things you could do before going anywhere near a therapist, though you know yourself best. Sure things will work out niceone.gif

There are lots of books, plus internetmaterial on P.S. that you can research. The keyhas to be in having confidence in what you are presenting. This only can come through thorough preparation and through thepractice, drill and rehearse of your set.

If you do this and learn the tips to control your nerves, project your voice and body launguage etc, you'll be fine. Has to all start with the control of your mind though and that must begin with you telling yourself that you WILL do whatever it takes to LEARN how to publicly speak well and achieve this goal.

Unless you're a natural it wont just come to you, you have to work at it like anything else.

beta blockers are your freind.

thanks for the tips
niceone.gif