Overcoming Stage Fright
It would be difficult to find an activity more fraught with fear and anxiety than public speaking. Invent a pill for stage fright and you’ll be an instant billionaire. Until then, it may be reassuring to know you’re not stuck with an acute condition. There are natural remedies to keep the symptoms of nervousness under control.
One of the easiest ways to reduce nervousness is to rehearse. If the actual performance is your first experience of the speech, no wonder it’s nerve-wracking. When you’ve been through the presentation several times, you know how it sounds, how it feels, how it flows. You’re on familiar ground. In addition, every run-through will result in improvements. Why blow off the benefit of that process?
The ability to physically relax under pressure is the most overlooked skill of public speaking. The problems you face as a speaker are usually not head problems or content problems; they’re body problems. Your hands shake, your heart pounds, you can’t breathe, and so on. Cultivating the ability to be comfortable in your body puts you miles ahead of the competition. But this knowledge alone doesn’t make a difference.... CLICK TO CONTINUE
Products
Overcoming Stage Fright
and Performance Anxiety MP3
Check out an exciting new product guaranteed to provide easy strategies for overcoming stage fright. Jay teams up with an award-winning hypnotist, Dr. Mike Mandel, to offer a uniquely well-rounded program for conquering your fear of public speaking. Whether you’re new to the stage, or an old pro looking for that extra edge, this audio program has something for you.
Recommendation
The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook
Martin Antony PhD & Richard Swinson MD
New Harbinger, 2008
This highly regarded text provides a clear and effective self-help program based on clinically proven cognitive behavior therapy techniques. It has received positive reviews from clients who are working to overcome their fear of public speaking.
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Tip
Never underestimate the power of grounding. Put both feet on the ground and cultivate an awareness of that secure foundation. You’ll stand to your full height. Your body will settle down. Your voice will strengthen. You’ll feel more confident and look more authoritative. It’s so simple and yet so powerful.