Chapter 4: Overcoming Fear of Speaking
- Specify your fear
- A specific fear is easier to fix than a vague one.
- "I'm totally freaking out!" versus "I'm worried about blanking out!
- Good preparation will help you feel confident
- D&C 38:30 "...but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear."
- Develop a good outline and practice, practice, practice.
- Pray for help to remember what you studied and prepared.
- Visualize success
- When you are experiencing fear and anxiety try imaging yourself confidently delivering the speech
- Replace negative thoughts with positive ones
- Replace Negative: "I'm going to say "um" to much." with Positive: "No one will notice if I say "um" a few times. They will notice my great content and know how hard I worked."
- Try Relaxation Techniques
- Fight or Flight: Your body reacts to fearful situations by preparing it for "fight" or "flight." Public speaking isn't as intense as fighting a tiger or running from one. So... what do we do with the increased heart rate, rush of adrenaline, and tense muscles?
- Breathe! Force some oxygen to your brain. It will help you relax and focus.
- Inhale through the nose and exhale through your mouth. It's the best way to slow down your breathing.
- Go for a brisk walk
- Do some neck rolls, knee bends, or arm swings.
