Many people suffer from speech anxiety, a fear of speaking in public, resulting in excessive nervousness and worry when they are called on to speak in front of a crowd. They find it hard to perform well in school or any other public situation, since they are constantly worried that they will fail. Fortunately, there is speech anxiety therapy available for anyone who experiences this problem. This method involves carefully desensitizing the patient to being in the same room as an audience and gradually building up his confidence until he can speak without fear.
Some people with speech anxiety even develop phobias. This means that they are afraid of certain things, such as flying, swimming, or even talking on the telephone. Phobias are often a result of a past experience that created a deep-seated fear. If you have a phobia, this may mean that your speech anxiety has a genetic component as well. You should see a speech anxiety therapist to determine if this is the case for you. It is possible that your disorder has been triggered by something you did in the past.
The speech anxiety therapy you receive will depend on its severity. Medications may be prescribed by your doctor or you could try other methods at home. There are books you can read about the disorder, and therapists can talk with you about ways you can manage your stress effectively. You can also try self-help guides on the internet that lay out steps you can take to control your anxiety. These guides usually include relaxation techniques, positive imagery, meditation, positive thinking, and muscle relaxation. You can do all of these things on your own at home, which makes it easier on your busy schedule.
Your speech anxiety disorder might also require medication. If you feel like you cannot conquer your anxiety in a traditional way, you might want to consider prescription drugs to help you feel better. In some cases, prescription drugs might be all that you need to feel better, but for speech anxiety therapy, medications might be necessary to give you that extra push you need to get through your speech anxiety.
If you decide that you would like to pursue speech anxiety therapy, then you will need to have more information about the disorder. There are many different types of anxiety, so you will need to know which type you are dealing with. Most speech issues can be cured with therapy and medications, but they are not the only options available. If your anxiety is very severe, then you might have to undergo surgery or spend time in the hospital to get over your problem.
Some speech issues can be helped along with speech anxiety therapy. If you feel anxiety before you have to go on a speaking event, then you should be more than prepared for it. Your fear can make you feel very uncomfortable, and you might have trouble breathing or talking. This can make you unable to enjoy the occasion you are attending or be as efficient at work as you would like.
If you are able to talk and breathe normally while you are at an event, then this is a sign of an anxiety disorder. You may want to avoid these types of events in the future to avoid getting the same problem. Speak up when you feel anxious before others do so that you are not the only person affected by your anxiety. You should let the event make you feel comfortable to talk about it to your friends later.
Your speech anxiety therapy will begin with talking to a therapist about your problem. They will help you find out what your specific fears are and then find ways to conquer them. They will teach you how to relax your body and your mind so that you can be able to speak without any stress or anxiety. Talk to your therapist about your problems so they can get to know you and determine which approach is best for you.