Fear of public speaking, clinically referred to as glossophobia, is a highly common form of anxiety, that according to the National Institute of Mental Health, affects up to 75% of the world’s population. Its symptoms can range from slight nervousness to paralyzing fear and panic. Although it is often impossible to eliminate your anxiety entirely, you can learn to manage and reduce its symptoms with ample preparation and persistence. The Mayo Clinic offers the following suggestions to help you overcome your fear of public speaking:
- Become an expert on your topic: The more you learn about your topic, the easier it will be to talk about, and the better prepared you will be to answer any questions that may arise from the audience.
- Get organized: Organize your thoughts ahead of time and carefully plan out the information you want to present, including any props, audio, or visual aids. Be sure to structure your speech with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use bullet points or an outline to guide you. Knowing the flow of your speech can boost your confidence and assuage anxiety.
- Familiarize yourself with the venue: If possible, visit before or arrive early and become familiar with the speaking environment. Walk around the stage, test the microphone, and get a sense of the space. Familiarity can reduce anxiety.
- Practice: Practice delivering your complete presentation multiple times. Try delivering your presentation in front of smaller or more familiar groups to gain confidence before tackling larger or more intimidating audiences. Consider making a video of your presentation so you can watch it and see opportunities for improvement.
- Take some deep breaths: Deep breathing exercises can help calm your nerves. Before speaking, take a few deep breaths to relax your body and clear your mind.
- Focus on the message, not yourself: Shift your focus away from yourself and onto your message and the value you are providing to your audience. Be mindful of the fact that your audience is interested in your content, not critiquing you.
- Visualize your success: Imagine yourself giving a successful presentation. Envision the audience responding positively to your words. Positive thoughts can help decrease some of your negativity about your social performance and relieve some anxiety.
Treatment In Calabasas
Calabasas is a city in California. It is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, located west of the San Fernando Valley and north of the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the past decade, the city of Calabasas has grown in its reputation for luxury as well as for privacy which makes it a hidden gem for residential living for society’s elite, and one of the most desirable destinations in Los Angeles County. It is also home to a plethora of highly qualified mental health clinicians providing an array of therapeutic services and treatment options.
The information above is provided for the use of informational purposes only. The above content is not to be substituted for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment, as in no way is it intended as an attempt to practice medicine, give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. As such, please do not use any material provided above to disregard professional advice or delay seeking treatment.
