Public speaking fear: It happens to everyone
The truth is, nobody gives a perfect speech.
A little bit of public speaking anxiety is common. Many clients come to me with major anxiety and even crippling fears about public speaking. I have found that focusing on mistakes, ruminating on past embarrassment, or projecting future failure can turn a minor performance glitch into full blown public speaking anxiety.
“There are two types of speakers. Those who get nervous and those who are liars.”
– Mark Twain
Even though I had spoken in public countless times, I was terrified at the thought of doing a 12-minute talk in front of my peers as I had always felt like an outsider there. Stephanie patiently guided me through countless versions of my talk, eventually addressing the root of my fears. I can truly say that working with her was life-changing personally and professionally, leading to speaking opportunities that I now relish instead of dread.
Tackle public speaking anxiety with a certified health coach
Stephanie has a secret weapon with speakers who have public speaking anxiety and fears. She uses her experience as a certified wellness and health coach (CWHC) to guide clients with personalized plans using breathing, meditation, visualization, and other techniques. She’ll explain the physiology behind your stage fright and design strategies—ones that feel natural for you—to address your fears and your physical reaction to public speaking.
Before taking the stage, these steps can manage public speaking fear:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Breathing exercises
- Listening to music
- Visualizing the positive
- Get physical: Power poses
- Avoiding stimulants like coffee
Avoid these pitfalls during your talk:
- Reciting a memorized script
- Reading PowerPoint slides
- Focusing on mistakes
- Anticipating negative reactions
- Associating errors with your self-worth