Imagine Your Anxiety Away?
Don't avoid your anxiety; take control
“Just imagine the audience in their underwear.” Yes, that’s what I heard an instructor of public speaking say at a conference I attended a few years back.
I couldn’t believe it.
Public speaking is a common fear, with up to 75% experiencing varying degrees of anxiety just thinking about it.
And the symptoms are real:
Heart racing uncontrollably.
Struggling to articulate our thoughts.
Worrying about being ridiculed.
Feeling an overwhelming urge to escape.
But “tips” that disrespect the audience offer little help with preparing a speech. Here are three approaches to try as part of a practical rehearsal plan.
Visualization techniques
Spend some quiet time imagining yourself successfully delivering your speech in front of an audience. Imagine the audience responding positively. Feel yourself as confident and accomplished.
Some speakers find constructive visualization useful as part of presentation preparation. Treat it as a practice exercise rather than medical treatment, and use only an approach that feels comfortable.
Practice with a trusted friend
Find a friend or colleague who can provide constructive feedback. This is a low-pressure setting that allows you to practice your delivery and gain confidence without the fear of judgment. Use the feedback to identify what to practice next.
Breathing exercises
Try learning one breathing technique and practicing it every day for a few minutes. Before your speech, you can take a few moments to use that familiar technique if it feels comfortable.
These methods are preparation exercises, not a promise of relief or a substitute for medical treatment.
Originally published on LinkedIn.
Put preparation into practice
Explore speaking under pressure for an example of how I help, or learn about practical speaking preparation.
Choose organizational training or private coaching to begin a conversation about your needs.