How to Properly Deal With Speech Anxiety

When it comes to public speaking, there are few things more nerve-wracking than facing a large audience. And yet, many of us have to do just that on a regular basis. Whether we're giving a presentation at work or delivering a speech at an event, the anxiety we feel is often unavoidable.

But there are some things you can do to ease your fears and make the experience less daunting. In this blog post, we'll share expert tips on how to deal with speech anxiety so you can deliver your message with confidence. Read on to learn more.

Recognize your fear 

The first step to properly dealing with speech anxiety is to recognize your fear. This can seem like a daunting task, but doing so will open up the pathways for you to navigate and overcome it. Being honest and truthful with yourself about your fear can prompt reflection on what's at its root, as well as how you want to approach everything moving forward. The journey might feel intimidating at first, but having insight into underlying issues is invaluable in setting yourself up for success. With a clearer understanding of your fear, you'll be able to tackle it with confidence and authority - just as many professionals would advise.

Address the root of your anxiety 

When dealing with speech anxiety, it is important to understand the root cause of your feelings. For some, the fear of public speaking stems from a lack of confidence and not trusting oneself in front of an audience, while for others it might be related to feeling overwhelmed and unprepared. No matter what your reasons are, addressing the root of this anxiety is key. It may be helpful to practice self-talk that builds up confidence and bolsters content knowledge; another suggestion is visualizing success before speaking or during breaks. Taking a moment to reflect on how you tend to respond to anxiety can help you better learn how to manage it. With practice, you'll find that worries about public speaking diminish and your confidence will help you tackle any presenting situation!

Find a speech coach or mentor

When looking into how to properly deal with speech anxiety, finding a speech coach or mentor can have many benefits. Making use of the advice and guidance from someone who has expertise in this field helps to reduce stress which can definitely help reduce any pre-performance jitters you might have. As Kurt Uhlir, an expert in this topic, explains, a mentor can provide insight as to where and what to focus on during practice runs, as well as help to keep morale up even when things get tough and progress slows. Coaches come in many forms, ranging from an expert teacher in the public speaking field to a trusted friend who has experience overcoming any challenges they faced while giving a presentation in the past. The many benefits that come with having a partner to work through any nerves you may feel before your next big speech make investing in a speech coach or mentor one of the wisest decisions you could ever make.

Practice deep breathing

One of the best methods for dealing with speech anxiety is to practice deep breathing. Slow and steady inhalations and exhalations can help to calm your body down, reducing tension and making your voice more consistent. This is especially beneficial if you are giving a lengthy speech or presentation, as these larger chunks of information can cause even the most experienced speaker to become overwhelmed. By practicing deep breaths beforehand, you will be in a better mental place when delivering your speech and be able to clearly articulate your points more with confidence.

Create a support system 

Creating a support system is a great first step in dealing with speech anxiety. Having friends, family and even professionals to talk to can help build self-confidence. But it's important not only to choose people who are good listeners, but also those who won't be too critical or judgmental of any form of communication challenges. It's essential to find someone who can offer reassurance and encouragement, especially during times when all hope may seem lost. Whether it’s by seeking out professional help or having an honest conversation with an acquaintance, tapping into available resources will serve as a crucial pillar in conquering speech anxiety. Finding this source of support may take time and energy — but that is effort well spent on one’s mental health!

Remember that no one is born perfect

It's easy to forget sometimes that no one is born with perfect communication skills, especially when it comes to public speaking. Everyone experiences some form of speech anxiety at some point in their lives, and this is completely natural! A huge part of addressing and dealing with speech anxiety is having realistic expectations for yourself. Remember to take it slow and be kind to yourself; everyone has something unique to offer and there is no need to aim for perfection. With a few simple steps, you can work through your nervousness and be confident in your ability to present.

Prepare, prepare, prepare 

Preparation is a key ingredient in dealing with speech anxiety. Taking the time to practice and mentally prepare before speaking in public can have tremendous benefits. It’s important to plan the structure of your speech, come up with visual aids if applicable, and outline how you might respond to audience questions. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the room you will be speaking in, such as checking your microphone setup and observing any obstacles that may affect your delivery of the speech, is also very beneficial when preparing for a presentation. As experts usually say, practicing only makes perfect if you genuinely know your craft. Taking the time to prepare well ahead of time will go a long way in helping you deliver an engaging presentation on stage.

Challenge specific worries

Oftentimes, those faced with speech anxiety are hesitant to confront their fears or take any sort of action in order to overcome them. It is important to remember that no matter how daunting it may seem, facing your worries head-on is often the best approach in dealing with any issue. Oftentimes in life we must accept and acknowledge our difficulties before we can tackle them. Speech anxiety is no exception. With careful thought and preparation, almost anyone can channel the fear of speaking into motivation and success. It may not be easy, but it will be worthwhile in the end.

Take care of yourself leading up to the event 

When dealing with speech anxiety, it is essential to take good care of yourself leading up to the event. Taking small steps like getting a good night’s sleep, eating nutritious meals and avoiding energy drinks and caffeine can help put you mentally and physically in the best frame for giving your presentation. It is also important to practice your speech beforehand so you familiarize your nerves with the content. Doing breathing techniques or engaging in light exercise can help reduce stress levels and make sure that you are ready to give an impactful speech. Making sure that you are taking the time to properly care for yourself will have immense rewards when it comes time to presenting your speech.

Use positive visualization techniques

Cognition is a powerful tool for self-expression, and visualizing a positive outcome can help ease speech anxiety. You can begin by closing your eyes, breathing deeply and imagining yourself in the audience sharing your message or performing confidently. Visualize yourself feeling confident, composed, and being well received. This will help you to remain focused on the task at hand rather than succumbing to fear and doubt. Positive visualization techniques provide an avenue to gradually build self-confidence around public speaking thereby aiding in reducing feelings of anxiousness. Through practice and repetition you can train your brain to respond positively whenever giving presentations or speeches in the future.

Dress for success

Finally, dress for success when it comes to dealing with speech anxiety. Selecting the right outfit can make a big difference in how you feel before and during your presentation. It helps build confidence and provide a visual anchor particularly if you are feeling anxious. If dressy attire isn’t allowed or required, focus on neatness and professionalism by adding touches such as wearing a nice belt. Make sure to also practice good hygiene as this reinforces that you take yourself seriously, which will in turn help you to give a positive impression, thus relieving some of the anxiety attached to speaking in public.

When it comes to dealing with speech anxiety, the right outfit can make a big difference in your confidence and overall performance. By combining dressy attire when appropriate or focusing on neatness and professionalism if not allowed, you’ll be able to present yourself in a positive manner that will help alleviate some of the fear associated with public speaking. Additionally, good hygiene is essential for creating an impression that shows you take yourself seriously – something which will also aid in reducing any nervousness before delivering your presentation. With these tips in mind, we hope you have all the tools necessary for success!