I’ve been doing some reflecting lately on the topic of public speaking anxiety, and I have to say, it’s something I know all too well. The thought of standing in front of a group, whether it’s a handful of colleagues or a larger audience, used to send me into a tailspin. My heart would race, palms would sweat, and all the words I had prepared would somehow vanish from my mind.
What’s interesting is that I didn’t always feel this way. Back in the day, I could easily chat with friends or engage in small talk. But when it came to speaking in front of others, that anxiety crept in like an unwelcome guest. It’s funny how our brains can switch gears like that, isn’t it?
Over the years, I’ve come to learn a few things that have helped me navigate this fear. One big shift for me was understanding that it’s completely normal to feel nervous. I realized that even seasoned speakers have those jittery moments before stepping up to the mic. It’s almost like a rite of passage in a way—we’re all in this together!
One technique that really helped me was to focus on connection rather than perfection. I started thinking about what I wanted to share, the message I’d like to convey, and how it could resonate with my audience. Shifting my focus from worrying about how I was being perceived to genuinely wanting to connect with people made a world of difference.
I also found that practicing in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend created a safe space for me to explore my material without judgment. It’s amazing how just familiarizing myself with my speech calmed those racing thoughts.
It’s funny; some days, I still feel that anxiety creeping back in, but I’ve learned to embrace it as part of the process. It reminds me that I care about what I’m sharing, and that passion is worth overcoming my fears.
I’m curious, how do you all handle your own speaking anxieties? Do you have any tips or experiences that have worked for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!