Public Speaking
Do You Dread Public Speaking? You Are Not Alone
Do You Dread Public
Speaking? You Are Not Alone
For those people who have to
speak in public, be it to a small intimate group or to a crowd of hundreds or
thousands, being nervous is a normal response to having the spotlight focussed
directly on you. In studies, up to 75% of all people report nervousness of some
degree during these types of events. However, for some people, the reaction to
even the thought of public speaking can create extreme anxiety, stress and an
almost overriding terror of having to have that discussion.
People with a fear of public
speaking, technically known as glossophobia, may have fear of talking even with
specific individuals and not necessarily in what might be considered a public
speaking role. An individual may fear speaking to a person in authority such as
a supervisor or manager or to a police officer. Yet others may fear speaking to
people they don't know while they are more comfortable in speaking with people
they already have some level of acquaintance with.
In both a personal and
workplace setting, fear of public speaking can be a serious issue. Individuals
who experience this fear may show a variety of signs and symptoms that are
literally beyond their immediate control or management.
Symptoms
The symptoms of speech
anxiety may be pronounced or less significant but they can include:
• Avoidance of specific situations
• Stress about possibly being asked or expected to speak
well in advance of the meeting, discussion or event
• Headaches, digestive upset, vomiting
• Dry mouth, inability to swallow
• Muscle tension
• Racing heart rate
• Rapid shallow breathing, difficulty breathing
• Increased blood pressure
• Feelings of dizziness
• Fainting, flushes, hot sensation over the body
People with significant fear
of public speaking will experience symptoms very similar to that of a panic
attack as the event draws closer. They cannot calm themselves down and may flee
or freeze at the thought of having to speak. They may also become agitated, hostile
or aggressive towards others as their body prepares for the ability to defend
itself against the perceived stressor of the event.
Hypnosis Offers A Solution
Hypnosis is considered one
of the most effective options for treating the anxiety and fear of speaking in
public settings. This is because the hypnotherapist is able to work with the
client to create images of positive events and public speaking situations.
Through these suggestions the client develops a positive sense of their ability
to speak in public without being exposed to any stressful real world speaking.
Once the client is able to
think about public speaking without feeling the terror that previously occurred
with these thoughts, he or she can then take the podium or have the discussion
in a positive, calm and stress-free mental state. The mind and body remains
relaxed and, with each successful public speaking event, confidence and
relaxation around the previously terrifying event becomes the norm.
For many clients with severe
public speaking fears, groups that teach public speaking skills, cognitive
behaviour therapy and support for other types of generalised anxiety can be
beneficial to address other fears or phobias that may also be present.
Posted by: Philippe Jacquet