Cant Speak fluently

LegacyUser

As the username states, I find it really hard to formulate sentences when speaking to others, Im ok with people I know well. I know I have a degree of social anxiety. Im seeing seeing a therpist to help deal with the anxiety.

I would love to know if there's anything out there to help with public speaking but not just to crowds but to one on one or to a small group. I know of toastmasters but Im not sure that would be suitable for me yet.

I find my throat gets really tight and I start to sound croaky, my mind goes blank and my words come out in the wrong order. Anyone else have this problem?? If so what did you do to overcome it??Feel I have no confidence sometimes, yet Im pretty confident person on the inside but find it hard around strangers or people Im intimidated by.

MsFifers

I sometimes get that way if I'm nervous, like when I'm meeting someone a bit famous or of high status. I think most people have experienced this on some occasion when feeling under pressure. I think the only thing to do is to keep putting yourself out there and engaging with people. The more you talk to people, the less stressful it will become. Just give yourself a little target every day - exchange a few pleasantries in a shop, if you're working - make a colleague a cup of tea and have a little chat.

The key thing is to try to stop focussing on how you think you sound, and how you are coming across. Force your attention onto the other person, what they are saying. If you find yourself noticing that your voice sounds croaky, focus instead on what it is you are trying to say, and ask the other person a couple of questions.

Most people - epecially those we might find intimidating - are usually interested in themselves and talking about themselves. Realising this kind of takes the pressure off you to feel you have to "perform" as a fluent speaker - be a great listener and you'll gradually feel more confident about speaking up for yourself.

gugleguy

wanted to complement a good Dublin Bus driver last week when I was getting off and I was all mealy mouthed ... duh....:o;)

jameshealy19

<SNIP> Please do not provide medical advice.

dudara