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Communication anxiety is
also known as public speech anxiety. Contrary to other types of anxieties, it is
just a NORMAL phenomenon among ordinary people. In fact, a significant number of
people tend to avoid situations of public speaking, and an even greater number
of people can not perform as effectively as they otherwise can due to anxiety
and stress. A few individuals even rank public speaking ahead of their worst
fears, such as snakes, spiders, even DEATH.
Despite the uneasiness accompanying the symptoms of communication anxiety,
experts believe that a certain degree of anxiety is actually a good thing. It is
a sign that you care for your listeners and that you would like to deliver your
speech perfectly. With that in mind, the anxiety can become an incentive for
good preparation and great performance.
Having said that, people with high communication anxiety will need help, but
often self-help. Here are 4 great tips you can practice to manage or reduce your
speech anxiety.
1. Make Sufficient Preparation
It is the experience of many that the first 3 to 5 minutes of the speech is the
period when the anxiety is most intense. After that, your mind and body tend to
settle down and you are more able to "live" into the situation. Good preparation
can help you easily get through the first couple of minutes and put more
confidence into your message.
You may also consider preparing some visual aids, such as PowerPoint, Posters,
Projections, Videos, etc. During your speech, visual aids can help you easy move
from one subject to another, and you will only become more confident as you move
on. Of course, you need to practice with them as much as you can before the
speech.
2. Convince Yourself That You Are Excited And Not Scared
Look at it this way: Speaking in public is an opportunity for you to share your
views and knowledge about a topic for which you are an expert or which you are
passionate about. Isn't it exciting to be able to present yourself to others?
Try to convince yourself that what you feel are the result of power and
excitement, instead of fear, and that you like this feeling.
3. Practice Slow and Deep Breathing
When you are struck by anxiety, your heart races fast, your muscle becomes
tense, and your mind refuses to perform its normal work. Taking slow and deep
breathing can help you slow things down and gain control. A good way to practice
is to breath in belly out, and then breath out belly in. Count to yourself when
you do this practice, and try to visualize the numbers with each count.
4. Fill Your Mind With Something Positive
Think about the cheerful moments in your life, moments when you got a promotion,
won a prize, landed a big contract, won your love, etc. Think about those people
who love you and trust you, and try to picture their smiling faces. With
positive thinking, you can fill your body with energy and confidence, and you
become more powerful in your battle against anxiety.
As said, communication anxiety is a common thing experienced by a large number
of people. It is not a medical situation where you will need the help of
medication. Practice with the tips discussed in this article, and you can expect
to become more and more confident to talk to a crowd of people. And, even
better, you will actually enjoy doing it! |
