1. speaking in public dealing with presentational anxiety
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Transcript of 1. speaking in public dealing with presentational anxiety
How to Handle
Presentation Anxiety
Why Public Speaking is Important
Why We Tend to Avoid It
The Symptoms of Presentational Anxiety
How to Deal With The Symptoms
The Self-Coaching Approach
Getting Practice to Get It Right
Peer-coaching for Public Speakers
The opportunity to speak in public introduces the world to us and us to the world
Gain greater knowledge of self
Higher grades
Courage to face challenges (like no other)
Promotions and advancements
Entrepreneurship opportunities
About 85 % of the general population is afraid to stand up and be recognised/heard
o Being under scrutiny of many eyes all at once
o Doubts about voice/knowledge/appearance
o Fear of ridicule/rejection
o Prior classroom experience with peer/teacher reactions
o Notions about personality/inherent ability/trainability
Stage fright, also known as glossophobia, is placed even before death as the greatest fear for one out of three people.
The body actually reacts as it would in any “fight or flight” situation.
Therefore, all of the instinctive physiological reactions to perceived threats come into play:
The instinctive physiological reactions to perceived threats that impede the speaker (internal):
adrenaline/epinephrine released into the bloodstream
accelerated heart rate
an increase in blood pressure
irregular breathing patterns
The instinctive physiological reactions to perceived threats that impede the speaker (visible):
perspiration
uncontrollable shaking/shivers
flushing of the face
dry mouth
the desire to fidget with objects
weakening of the voice (resulting in stammering/stuttering)
The emotional impact of perceived threat or fear is what causes the physiological symptoms of stage fright to occur in the first place:
visualises the self as vulnerable
questions ability
sees all others as judgemental
engages in negative self talk
self-torments with worst-case scenario images
short-term memory loss
For anyone who fears speaking in public, there are preparatory measures that really help:
Know your material.
thorough understanding of the topic
conveys to the audience interest and passion
immersion in the topic shifts focus from self to the subject of the presentation
restores sense of purpose/importance
For anyone who fears speaking in public, there are preparatory measures that really help:
Prepare Outlines, Not Speeches
Avoid seeming unprepared
Full introduction for initial part of presentation
Use symbols for key points.
Write out transitional/segue sentences in full
Salient points/quotes for body
Full closure for summative purposes
For anyone who fears speaking in public, there are preparatory measures that really help:
Use a Warm-up Audience Practise with any willing listeners who can
coach you before the presentation. Start with warm/small groups to increase
comfort level More practice/less anxiety Enough knowledge of presentation to
review flaws/strengths objectively
For anyone who fears speaking in public, there are preparatory measures that really help:
Attend Public Speaking Events
Helps visualise and understand techniques
Observe body language, speech patterns and audience interactions of all (good and bad)
Approach the speakers if possible for tips
For anyone who fears speaking in public, there are preparatory measures that really help:
Visualise Yourself as a Success
Ask permission to check the venue beforehand
Imagine yourself as your favourite orator
View the audience as people needing you
Practice mistakes you have observed
Nurture the positive images
Even with thorough preparation, there are anxiety –reduction techniques that can help:
Breathe
Take long, deep breaths - hold them in for five seconds
Do neck rolls and massages to relax tight muscles
Take a walk to burn off some of the anxious energy
Breathe during your speech to help with speech pacing/concentration
Even with thorough preparation, there are anxiety –reduction techniques that can help:
Address Each Symptom of Speech Anxiety
Excessive perspiration – dark clothing
Dry mouth – small sips of water
Nervousness – avoid caffeine/use herbal tea
Clammy hands – holding small prop for speech
Weak/quivery voice – pause, then smile
Even with thorough preparation, there are anxiety –reduction techniques that can help:
Don't Apologize For Being Nervous
Could bring unnecessary attention to anxiety
Overcome the ‘Illusion of Transparency’
Audience will focus on the wrong thing
Commiserating audience hopes for your success
Did “W” ever apologise for being silly?
Even with thorough preparation, there are anxiety –reduction techniques that can help:
Remember Anxiety Can Aid the ‘Fight’ Instead of the ‘Flight’ Response
Energy to perform well
Heightened awareness to sharpen focus
Adrenaline rush increases concentration levels
Facing one’s fears produce a natural high
Short of seeking a therapist’s help, you can prepare yourself for entering the field.
Undertake your own course in addressing an audience:
reverse negative self-talk
reassure the inner child
give motivational talks to yourself in the mirror
Once you are comfortable with your own quirks and unique qualities as a speaker:
audio/video tape yourself practising with famous speeches
view these with helpful group to discuss voice modulation/level of credibility/eye contact issues
play the tape for young children – the ‘best’ critics
Select your partner in crime carefully, someone who will:
practice the warm receptive audience routine
go through the shadow speaker routine
help with research and positive messages
coach and massage the body/ego on the day
give presentations a fresh perspective
take this as seriously as you do
Practice self-coaching techniques
Go through relaxation techniques
Try exercises in peer coaching and evaluation