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How to Handle Your Public Speaking Blues
Episode 2
Reflect.
One tool I find helpful when it comes to doing things that are scary or intimidating is to reflect on times when you conquered that fear. I have several speeches that come to my mind that I did really well and that helps remind me that this idea of public speaking isn’t so scary and I can be confident in my abilities.
Reactions.
For me, my body has several reactions to the nerves built up by public speaking.
- Clammy hands
- Shaky knees
- Loss of appetite
- Unable to focus on anything else
- Dry mouth
Rewarding.
Despite the fear it causes, completing the task of public speaking is one of the most rewarding experiences for me. I am able to relax and breath again when it’s all over and I feel like I’m on cloud nine. It can make for some great memories, too. One of my favorite speeches was at one of my best friends weddings. It was filmed on video and now I can watch it whenever I want. It serves as a reminder for me that I can overcome this fear and actually do really well at it.
Reasons.
I decided to do this episode because I recently had an experience where I gave a speech and I didn’t feel these nerves. I was presenting a video I made for my grad school class. The presentation came and went and I barely had any of my typical symptoms. On my way home, I reflected on that and realized that it was because I felt very confident in what I was presenting.
And that’s my big takeaway from this experience. Confidence allows for so much freedom from fear. It doesn’t cure it and it’s not like the fears will go away forever, but it is a very helpful tool in combating what would typically be an anxiety-inducing event.
Some helpful advice I heard a while ago:
1. Believe in what you are saying and the audience will believe it too.
2. You are the expert in the room. Even if you aren’t – YOU ARE.
3. It is okay to use notes if you need them. Bring them, use them, learn from them. The more you practice with using notes, the better a public speaker you’ll be and one day you may end up not needing them.