Peculiar ways to train myself to be a better speaker

**Posts:** 1 · by **eljusticiero67** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 12:47 am

Hello,

I suffer from "high-trait anxiety" public speaking fear; that is, I am generally a lot more afraid of public speaking than the average person. My voice quivers uncontrollably, I say a lot of ums, my hands shake a lot, and none of these symptoms become alleviated as time goes by during my presentation.

I have taken many public speaking courses; however, my problem is that I can get used to, and even friends with the audience that I am speaking in front of-- and eventually good at public speaking... in front of _them_. But as soon as I encounter a new audience, my fear is in full force again.

I feel like the only way I can conquer my fear is by speaking in front of a lot of different audiences in quick succession, so I am not used to the people at all. Unfortunately, I do not know in what forum I can do that. I have been thinking about attending various toastmasters clubs and doing one session each. But I feel like the group leaders may not appreciate that kind of behavior.

I have been ignoring this fear for a long time, but I dont think I can anymore. And I need some help! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

**Posts:** 67 · by **asd** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 1:14 am

You've taken care of the practice part with toastmasters, now try shifting the focus towards your own body. Once you can control your breathing, your voice won't quiver and your hands won't shake.

If those symptoms are hardwired into your body from years or decades of stimulus/response, it may take you a few more decades to overwrite them simply by doing the speech thing.

**Posts:** 5 · by **laga** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 1:36 am

I'm getting hypnosis and its helping heaps - I just did a perfomance in front of about 25 people and I wasnt as nervous as i ususally am. This is just after trying the program for 2 days.

**Posts:** 217 · by **fan_of_hypnosis** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 9:57 pm

laga wrote:I'm getting hypnosis and its helping heaps - I just did a perfomance in front of about 25 people and I wasnt as nervous as i ususally am. This is just after trying the program for 2 days.

(self) hypnosis has helped a lot of people I think.

I can advice it everybody here, also when you are nervous.

**Posts:** 36 · by **Wilfred** » Thu Mar 28, 2013 12:23 am

Frankly, I believe in doing anything that helps.

It is such a basic fear and once overcome, your life transforms.

So good for you!!

Regards

**Posts:** 33 · by **deemark67** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:45 am

Hi! I agree with a lot that's been said and I do think that this is emotional/subconscious rather than anything more 'hardwired'. It may well take some time to overcome completely, but I wouldn't go as far as saying decades!

Deep breathing, positive affirmations, and hypnosis would all be beneficial. I'm a big advocate of self-hypnosis. If you've never done it, it's really not as difficult or strange as it might sound, and it doesn't take long to get good at it. Also, once you have the skill (and everyone can develop it), it's really easy to use in any situiation - so you can calm yourself whilst actually making a speech.

Loads of great ideas on this thread - keep trying them and you will make progress, a little at a time.

**Posts:** 52 · by **legacyinthemakingmagazine** » Thu May 23, 2013 7:45 am

laga wrote:I'm getting hypnosis and its helping heaps - I just did a perfomance in front of about 25 people and I wasnt as nervous as i ususally am. This is just after trying the program for 2 days.

Hey laga,

What is hypnosis ? How it helps in overcome fear in public speaking..Please share here so that every one reading this thread can get help...

**Posts:** 37 · by **success256** » Sat May 25, 2013 12:48 pm

Hi,
I read your problem, whilst it is okay to feel a little apprehensive before delivering a speech. But if it is affecting you too much then try meditation exercises.

I feel just be in tune with your subject or topic of speech delivery. Be interested in your subject rather than thinking that I have to give this speech and face the audience.

Focus on a subject you are in tune with try to prep it up and make it interesting by including your own real life experiences and be excited and eager to just go out there and share it with the listeners.

I am sure this tactic will make a difference in your mental attitude.

All the best!

**Posts:** 37 · by **success256** » Sat May 25, 2013 12:59 pm

Hi,
You can repeat positive affirmations to yourself continuously in such a way that it becomes a part of your being.

For example to have a better life
Repeat!
Life is easy. Life is good. All the good of life is coming to me.

Try it!
The same way for giving a speech.
Repeat!
I will connect with my audience and deliver something of value to them.

Read inspirational books and get positive thoughts to repeat.

To your Success!

**Posts:** 52 · by **legacyinthemakingmagazine** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 10:01 am

success256 wrote:Hi,
You can repeat positive affirmations to yourself continuously in such a way that it becomes a part of your being.

For example to have a better life
Repeat!
Life is easy. Life is good. All the good of life is coming to me.

Try it!
The same way for giving a speech.
Repeat!
I will connect with my audience and deliver something of value to them.

Read inspirational books and get positive thoughts to repeat.

To your Success!

Hey success256,
Would you tell me more about hypnosis? How is this useful in public speaking?

**Posts:** 12 · by **briandbarton** » Fri Jul 12, 2013 5:44 am

All of the posts are great, but I also believe that practice, practice, practice is key as well. What this does is to allow material, stage presence, etc. to become a part of you. Also, in the interim, I would suggest sticking to things that you are a part of you. People have a tendency to be more comfortable when they speak of things they are more familiar with. It is ok, to be afraid, but it's not ok to let your fears stop you. The world is your stage, you walk it everyday.

Remember, you are the one with the courage to be up on the stage, so build off of that.

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