Public speaking

Boots80 · Post by **Boots80** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 1:10 pm

Hello everyone,
I am writing to everyone who finds this to see if there is anyone else out there who gets anxiety with public speaking. I have anxiety about having to be involved in meetings and work, etc, which lately I have been dreading. Its lowered my self esteem and the more I think about it the worse it gets - like a snowball effect. It seems all I do is worry about different meetings that my job could bring me. I started the program and am on session 2. It seems to be helping some, but I still have been pretty miserable lately. Any words of wisdom or similiar situations out there? Thanks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 3:40 pm

Boots,

I have experienced anxiety in a number of areas, at one point was agoraphobic.

My brother, however, deals with exactly what you are talking about. Public speaking, meetings at work...and anywhere where it would be considered "inappropriate" in his mind to get up and leave. (His wedding, standing in my other brother's wedding, etc.)

This program will help you over come it, but it is going to take more than getting to session 2. The following sessions help a lot to implement session 2. Trust me, it does get better, and easier. I have overcome a very extreme case with the help of this program...you will be able to do it. Be patient and hang in there. You will see the results, but they usually don't happen overnight or from just listening to the sessions. You have to make sure to do the homework, otherwise your probability of overcoming this is almost non-existant. At least, that has been my experience.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 4:08 am

My panic attacks also seem to have become more acutely connected with performance specifically meetings at work. I become so overwhelmed with physical sensations that I find it hard to connect and live in fear of becoming completely blank and sounding incompetent. Some meetings I've been avoiding for months. I want to find a new job but even the thought of job interviews kicks off my flight/fight reaction. I'm worn out.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 4:21 am

I do have a suggestion here. I have had lots of help with a group called Toastmasters. They are a self-help group of sorts on this particular topic. It is worth the effort and the money to join & participate.
<A HREF="http://www.toastmasters.org" TARGET=_blank>www.toastmasters.org</A>

Prv31Mom · Post by **Prv31Mom** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 4:27 am

Right now I can just say that you are not alone. I am on week 2 also and it helped me to hear the experiences of other people that may be dealing with the same thing or similar situations and have overcame them.

I was a supervisor and I was able to do public speaking and speak in front of others in meetings but I think that a couple of work related experiences led up to my anxiety including problems with public speaking about a year and a half ago.I'm no saint but I pray, read the bible, and read inspirational books. This program is helping so far. Have hope and don't give up.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 12:53 pm

Thanks you all for your advice and words of encouragement. The last couple days have not been good for me, but I am trying to stay strong. Hope everyone is doing well.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:23 pm

Boots80, I don't know of many peopel who do not have at least some anxiety about public speaking. The fear of public speaking ranks right up there with death! Some people are much more gifted at public speaking than others. I certainly do not have this gift but am required from time to time to do so with my job. There are a couple of things that have helped me tremendously in getting through the pressure/anxiety of public speaking. First, remember to keep things in perspective. It is not necessary for you to entertain during the speech, rather you are there to inform. The purpose of most talks is to share what you know about the topic at hand, that is all. If they need an entertainer,tell them to call "Letterman" or someone else. Second,get comfortable with your material but don't overdo it. Too much practice (at least for me) just leads to a lot of unneeded anxiousness. Third, never, never compare your abilities to speak in public settings with those of someone else. There will always be others that are better and certainly there will others that are much worse. What does it really matter anyway? Remember, you are there to INFORM only. Fourth, don't be afraid to make a mistake during your talk. Most of your audience isn't listening anyway and those who are listening are just so thankful that it is you "up there" and not them "having to give the talk". Finally, except every opportunity you get to give talks. The more "we" face our fears the easier it becomes to conquer them.

Best wishes, I hope this helps . . . .

jb

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 1:41 pm

JFBB,
Thanks for your words on public speaking. I have to take that class very soon, one of only 4 left for my BA degree and I have been putting it off....so thanks for your words!!