How to Manage Public Speaking Anxiety

Do you often find yourself in situations where you have a lot to say, but when faced with an audience, you’re tongue-tied? Or even if you have the script in your mind, it vanishes when you step onto the stage? You’re not alone. This common fear, known as Glossophobia, affects many of us.

But does that mean we must live with this fear forever? The simple answer is a big NO! With proper Public Speaking Training, you can also become someone who can effectively share your thoughts, no matter how big your audience is. In this blog, we will learn How to Improve Public Speaking Skills to help you become someone who never fears sharing your thoughts aloud.

Table of Contents

  • What is Public Speaking Anxiety?
  • Symptoms of Public Speaking Anxiety
  • Methods to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety
  • Conclusion

What is Public Speaking Anxiety?

Public Speaking Anxiety is the kind of deep fear or stress that one goes through when speaking before a given audience, usually because of introversion, PTSD, fear of judgment or general anxiety. Public Speaking Anxiety is one of the issues that can be experienced in one’s career and social interaction. This can also impact that person’s mental and emotional state. Public Speaking Anxiety can lead to losing opportunities and the chance to showcase your skills. This can easily have a negative impact on your self-esteem and confidence.

Symptoms of Public Speaking Anxiety

Overcoming public speaking anxiety is essential for personal and professional growth. You can gradually conquer this fear by implementing a few strategies in your daily life. Many individuals have successfully overcome their anxiety through consistent practice and gradual exposure

  • Rising Heartbeat
  • Quivering limbs
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating

These symptoms can make you uncomfortable while you are on the stage, and getting over these symptoms is necessary for becoming an effective public speaker or at least a good communicator.

Methods to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety

Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety is crucial for your professional and personal growth. You can gradually overcome your fear of Public Speaking by following a few tips in your daily life. While many of us face this anxiety, many have overcome it with a slow and steady progression. Avoiding public speaking situations is not a solution; coping and overcoming your fear is. You can overcome your anxiety as well by applying these strategies:

Show Authenticity

Be as real as possible whenever you’re speaking in front of a group or an audience. Being yourself will help you be more comfortable around everyone and liberate you from comparing yourself with others. Present your authentic self in front of your audience.

Present Confident Body-posture

Good body posture while facing an audience will project you as a confident person and suggest you are comfortable doing what they are doing. Whenever you are speaking, keep your posture straight, head high, shoulders back, and feet at a hip distance.

Do Regular Practice

Try speaking as much as you can whenever you get an opportunity. You can try to interact more in your friend circle or family gatherings. But if you are still sceptical, you can begin by talking in solitude in front of the mirror to overcome your fear of public speaking.

Overcoming Your Failures

Don’t look for perfection when starting your public speaking journey. Properly nourished public speaking skills enhance with time. Make as many mistakes as possible, keep practising, and keep speaking your heart out.

Visualise Success

Before stepping in front of an audience, take a few moments to visualise yourself speaking confidently and effectively. Imagine the audience responding positively to your words. This mental rehearsal can help reduce anxiety and build confidence, making it easier to deliver your speech with poise.

Control Your Breathing

Anxiety often manifests through rapid or shallow breathing, which can exacerbate nervousness. Practising deep breathing exercises before and during your speech can help calm your nerves. Take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This simple technique can help you stay composed and focused while speaking.

Conclusion

Glossophobia is nothing to worry about because it can easily be overcome with regular exercise, practice, and patience. If you follow the above tips, your fear of public speaking will eventually disappear.  But remember that it won’t happen overnight. Be patient, keep working on yourself, and keep track of your progress. You’ll surely see the difference. Follow The Knowledge Academy free resources when you need more information on overcoming public speaking anxiety.

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