Need Help Overcoming Public Speaking Nerves?

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

Tips for Speaking in Public
1. Rehearse: Spend some time rehearsing your speech a few times in front of family and have them raise questions. This activity will help you become familiar with the subject and you will not rely on your notes so much. You will discover the more questions you are able to answer the more adept you will be come on the subject and you will not be caught off guard by some of the questions you may receive.

2. Limit Caffeine: Too much caffeine can increase your jitters so instead of reaching for another cup of coffee when you’re feeling sluggish try going for a quick walk or if you do yoga try a few yoga moves. Exercising will decrease your stress levels and increase serotonin which is the happy hormone. If you are limited on time then at least head outside and get a dose of sunshine which stimulates the pineal gland in the brain producing serotonin.

3. Keep a Positive Outlook: Believe in the success of your speech and remind yourself that you will do a fabulous job. Remaining positive will help you keep calm during the event and help overcome your concerns. Finally we have all heard the saying “fake it until you make it,” meaning the more positive you are the more positive you will feel; this is a great opportunity to use the “fake it until you make it” technique.

4. Connect with the Audience: By sharing a personal experience 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 choose 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.

Those are just a few tips on how to overcome public speaking nervousness, remember it is ok to be nervous, try to stay positive and avoid external factors that will contribute to your doubts. At the end of the event you will feel a great sense of accomplishment and respect from yourself and others.