Public Speaking

LegacyUser

I had a presentation earlier in the week which in itself did not go as horribly as I expected but it was well below the par of the class in general. Had to take a drink before I went in, to calm the nerves, although I'm not sure how much it helped, think it might have made me more excited which is part of my problem, my heart rate and breathing seem to go through the roof so it's quite hard to start and finish a sentence that needs more than a few words.

I look on in envy at the majority of my classmates and see them look reasonably at ease speaking, although I know they are as anxious as I am before they start, they seem to mask it much better than I ever could.


With the course I'm doing I can expect many many more presentations and similar situations so I was just wondering if anyone had any tips to overcome a fear of public speaking or maybe point me in the right direction for professional help/hypnotherapy/recommended reading or CD's, anything that will help really. Which is best? Cheapest? How long would it take? and how successful has it been for you or people you know?

I know a lot of people will say, 'you shouldn't worry what others think' (This is not that simple, I can't turn this on and off at will) 'know your material inside out' 'practice practice practice'. Which is fine advice, but, with regards to latter 2 in particular, they are not really the problem. When I get up I do know the material inside out, well almost, the problem is that I feel completely uncomfortable standing up in front of a group of peers, trying to be an authority on my subject and it affects my thinking process, meaning I end up blanking completely. This can happen when I feel under any kind pressure to answer, such as if the lecturer asks me a question in class or asks me to speak about proect etc etc.

sorry for the long post and thanks in advance

xoixo

What you just wrote described everything I felt and feared this time last year. Literally word for word. I had the same reactions to anxiety - the heart race and the breathing patterns. The breathing was really terrible, even practising a presentation in my room aloud by myself I couldn't make it through a paragraph without getting completely out of breath and paniced. So even the pure thought of giving a presentation (after having previous bad experiences) terrified me to the core.

I always felt really jealous at my friends/classmates too when they'd get up and perform so well. I know they were really nervous too, but somehow they managed to keep it all in and held it together so much better than I ever hoped I could. They may be nervous but they hold it in. Mine is very visable - the breathing, the hands shaking, the voice wobbling so much I can't continue to speak.

Sooo here's where I have to thread carefully. I know Boards have strict rules on 'advising medicine' and rightly so. I just had a look at the rules charter and it says:

"If you want to tell someone about the amazing results YOU have had with a certain medical treatment, then go ahead. What you can’t do is tell them that THEY should have that treatment. You aren’t a doctor. Even if you were, you haven’t examined that person physically, nor do you have a full medical history. This applies to Alternative/Complimentary medicine too. Suggesting to someone that has a serious problem that <insert alternative therapy here> might cure it is very irresponsible."

So that is exactly what I'm going to do.

I went to the doctor in college (for free, I think most colleges offer free medical care and if it's not free then it will still be VERY cheap). I told him about my problem, the symptoms, and within a couple minutes he was telling me about beta-blockers. He gave me a prescription after telling me that they were not at all addictive and had no bad sides to them. And since then I have swam through presentations. They've allowed me to focus on doing a great presentation, write and deliver a great speech and therefore not totally feck up marks for my projects and my teams. So I'm not advising that this is the right method for you, but that is what I did and that is what I have found to be the only thing that has worked for me.

I hope I've helped in some way, in the least by letting you know you're not the only person who suffers this public speaking fear. I spent so many classes being so envious of my classmates skills in speaking and wondering why the hell I found it so hard. I even seriously considered dropping out of college and I know if I hadn't have made that appointment with the doctor it is extremely likely I wouldn't have made it to second year.

kjl

I would avoid beta blocker personally, sure they relive the nerves, but they also make you stop caring which doesn't help either. Plus, it's the easy way out.

So down to the chemistry of it, the reason you feel so excited about it, the reason you get that butterfly feeling in your stomach is because of adrenaline is being produced by the adrenal gland, this is basic human biology, you may of heard of fight or flight.

Well truth be told OP they are your choices. You can either kick ass, or you can run away from it. I would consider myself to be a good public speaker, but I get nervous before giving a presentation too. The difference is I use that energy to focus myself. The next time you get that feeling in you stomach, think "Focus", clear you mind and say it again to yourself "Focus". Believe it or not it works, and it does help focus and give a much better presentation.

It may not work the first time, it may not work the second time, but with practice you can become a pro.

GL Op, I know it's hard, but you will get over it.

Ickle Magoo

The best way to get confident doing public speaking is to do it, lots of it. Join a debating team, join a theatre group, go to a karaoke, make yourself do an open-mike spot. Any way you can think to make yourself get out your comfort zone and perform in public and after a while it becomes second nature, although you still get a bit nervous - it's more of an enjoyable buzz than a petrifying fear.

All the best

jimmycrackcorm

OP, find and join your local toastmasters club......

http://www.toastmasters.ie/

Penny Lane

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

OP, find and join your local toastmasters club......

http://www.toastmasters.ie/

+ 1 great organisation - you'll learn to speak with confidence in a totally non-threatening, relaxed and fun environment-you'll never look back! And if your career path is going to require this skill, better now than never

Penny

LegacyUser

I'll try to take some of it on board. With respect to the toastmasters club, I've heard of it before I'd be intrested in attending it unfortunately there are none located anywhere near me. I'd be intrested in the beta blockers but I do not want to get in a situation where I become completely reliant on them for presentations similar situations, which is what I would think would happen. although the other end of that spectrum is that doing it successfully a few times would prove to me I was capable of it and give me the necessary confidence to do do it 'sober' for want of a better word. Anyway, thanks for the replies, appreciated.

Zen65

Username233 wrote: »

I look on in envy at the majority of my classmates and see them look reasonably at ease speaking, although I know they are as anxious as I am before they start, they seem to mask it much better than I ever could.

I do a lot of public speaking, both in my professional role in business and also in my hobby role as karate instructor. Despite knowing my material very well, I do occasionally get the elevated heart rate at times, either just before starting or shortly into the presentation. It's a pain.

I was told a trick which works well for me, when I remember it. As you look at the audience, you imagine painting a large red 'X' over each of their heads, and maintain this image of the X's while you speak. It seems silly, but it does mentally remind you that you have blocked out these people from the process of speaking. It's a clever approach to managing your own emotions in a high-stress situation.

I certainly don't recommend beta blockers, or any serious form of medication. I think these can impact on your ability to engage in the process. I think using alcohol is a strategically poor move, unless it's for your wedding speech, which hopefully is a one-off. The problem with alcohol is that your body adjusts to it quite quickly, so you end up taking larger doses each time you have to speak, and..... well you can imagine where that will lead you.

Something like Rescue Remedy (a homoeopathic medication for steadying nerves) is a harmless placebo, and might help you. Try the X-technique though, you'll be surprised at how it helps.


Be at peace,

Z

Judes

A few years ago when on a course, each of us had to do a 2 minute presesntation - on any subject - but we were filmed - it wasn't to criticise - it was to help us see how we presented ourselves etc. I hate seeing myself on film - but it was such a help.

It taught me to take deep breaths, take my time and not rush when speaking, because you sound more knowledgeable and authoritive on a subject if you do take your time. Also look towards people - you don't have to focus on anyone - just look around the group you are presenting to - look above their heads so you don't catch anyone's eye - but everyone else thinks you're making eye contact with others in the group.

I would agree with the rescue remedy - and get a good night's sleep the night before - stay calm. If you can practise infront of the mirror, or get a friend to record you - one of the best things to build up your confidence is looking back on that film clip! You may be much better than you think. Good luck. J

LegacyUser

Zen65 wrote: »

I certainly don't recommend beta blockers, or any serious form of medication. I think these can impact on your ability to engage in the process.

While I'm not pushing beta-blockers, there are other simplier options the OP should try out first, I also ended up trying beta blockers and I had to say I really don't agree that it impacts on your ability to engage. The opposite infact. Without them my mind was completely elsewhere in presentations I performed, all I could think about was what my body was doing, what my voice sounded like. I couldn't look up from the piece of paper I was reading off, couldn't look into anyone's eyes or at the room's faces. Without them, I couldn't engage at all. Beta blockers made it possible to. I can do a really good presentation now, interacting with the audience, not having to read word for word off the page etc. And once you've done a presentation that clearly it makes the thought of the next one a whole lot easier even to the point I've been coming off the beta-blockers and able to perform without.

LegacyUser

hi there....I've had similar problems as yourself regarding presentations and avoided them as much as possible in school, college etc.but now I face them regularly at work and knew I had to do something as I was actually considering quitting the job I'm in at the moment because of presentations. desperate! So I went to a hypnotherpist and had a 2 hour session and found it fantastic. I 'm not normal by any means but way more relaxed about it which is the first step.......I'd defo recommend it....it gets better over the years .....

LegacyUser

I have experienced the exact same, it's like a panic attack and when I speak my voice goes in to a shake and I can hear the quivering in it. I've done all the mind tricks like asking myself "whats the worst that can happen" and "what does it matter what people think of me/my presenting skills but none of that has made one shred of difference. I would always know the material and have plenty of practice put in, and my employer even put on a presentation skills workshop to help everybody with their presenting skills and while it did help a bit, I still get the shaky voice.

Sometimes when I walk into the room and have to speak I pretend I'm out of breath from running to get there and when I've eased into what I am saying it tends to get better, mainly I think because I have had to do it so often in my job. I still cringe at the thoughts of doing it, what is the deal with beta-blockers - do you take one before the presentation? How long do they take to work? Are there any side affects to them?

I would basically try anything to make it easier on myself when presenting as it just fills me with dread each time I know I have to do one.