Find Help With Your Public Speaking Phobia

Quora: What is speech anxiety? It is a crippling fear of speaking in public or of speaking in front of others. It causes stress, and many times it causes the person who is suffering from it to withdraw from society altogether. This often leads to depression, which just compounds the problem. Most sufferers will eventually be unable to leave their homes and will miss out on everything they used to enjoy. There are various different types of speech anxiety, but the key to treatment is to find the one that suits you best.

Therapy: If your anxiety becomes out of control, it’s time to seek out professional help. Many people suffering from speech phobia will visit an anxiety specialist, who will prescribe anti-anxiety medication and possibly even counseling sessions. Speech Anxiety Therapy is used for people who suffer from general anxiety disorder as well. However, there is some debate over which is best. Therapy, in general, is the better choice for those who suffer from speech anxiety disorder.

Relaxation Techniques: A number of ways can be tried to fight the anxiety while at home. First, you can learn to manage your breathing. Take deep, controlled breaths every few minutes, allowing the air to flow through your body and out of your mouth. You may also want to focus on a simple repetitive exercise, such as playing a tape of soft music. This can provide some relief from the fear and may work toward releasing your speech anxiety.

Comprehend what makes you fearful of speaking in public: Understand why you feel anxious about speaking in public. For example, if you tend to be very anxious before an exam or speak with a roomful of people, you may need to read up on your anxiety or see a therapist. Once you understand your condition, you will be able to treat it properly.

Speak slowly: It’s very important to talk slowly when you’re afraid of speaking in public. You’ll want to avoid the urge to hurry up and begin speaking. Instead, sit back and gather your thoughts. Then, gradually approach the front of the crowd. Talk to them in a low voice. Practice this a few times before you get up to speak in a crowd.

Identify your fear: Many people who suffer from speech phobia have a fear of talking in a crowd. For example, when they are asked to speak to large groups of people in a public place, they are likely to freeze. Sometimes this is overcome by consciously remembering what it is that causes them to freeze. Others simply forget to breathe, take their eyes away from the stage, or focus their mind on something else. When this happens, the speech goes very quickly from the point to point, as though someone in the back row is shouting into the microphone.

Remind yourself why you’re coming to be: Certain activities to help you relax during your speech. For example, if you are giving a speech about yourself, you might remind yourself that you came to be today. Remind yourself that you are a good listener, always ready to learn. Remind yourself that you are a confident person, able to speak on your feet. These are positive affirmations that will help you feel much more at ease.

Look for support groups: Some groups for speech anxiety have meetings once a month or even weekly. If you can’t find such a group in your area, consider setting one up with others who suffer from the same condition. If you aren’t able to find support groups locally, consider setting up a support group online where people from all over the world can share their stories. This type of speech anxiety therapy can really make a difference in how you feel and the way you deal with the anxiety that often accompanies public speaking.