How does public speaking anxiety affect your health?

Everyone gets nervous when public speaking, if anyone says they don't, they're lying. Nerves can affect us all in different ways, for some of us we may want to throw up, for some we may want to run away and for others it may just be sweaty palms. It's good if we're nervous, it shows that we care about what we're about to do. I personally end up talking loads, asking lots of questions and getting really sweaty palms (don't shake my hand before I go up on stage ha). We have to learn that nerves are natural and to embrace them.

I believe that the fear & anxiety of public speaking all ties back to the fear of judgement. And this goes back to the fear of being judged when we lived in tribes, where rejection could have left to being banned from the community, which would mean a huge threat of death. This means of course it's not your fault, however, I do believe it is your responsibility to find a way to something about this. Why? because I truly believes it limits the life you can live. From a professional or personal point of view. Firstly, changing the word judgement to opinion when you really do this it feels lighter - everyone has an opinion and that's ok. Secondly, find something you re passionate about and start sharing, without the need for acceptance

Public speaking anxiety is when your body decides to throw a full-blown, sweaty, heart-racing party, but forgets to invite your confidence and calmness. It's like your body and mind are playing a game of 'who can freak out the most' while you're just trying to remember your own name. And despite it being a party no one wants to attend, it doesn't discriminate and everyone, regardless of age or experience, is on the guest list!

Public speaking anxiety can have both short-term and long-term effects on your health and well-being. These effects can manifest physically, mentally, and emotionally. During my first stint on College Elections campaign back in 2003, I've suffered a lot of panic, trembling and even profuse sweating which caused an embarrassment. It was my decision to fight it out, by standing in front of the mirror, a bit of self-speaking & motivation which i gained- by saying myself 'There's nothing to lose'! Increased Heart Rate: Anxiety can trigger stress hormones like adrenaline, leading to a rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure : Anxiety can affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or an upset stomach.

The fear of getting in front of people, for some strange reason, kicks in the flight or flight reaction in us. This is our primitive brain telling us that there is danger and we feel threatened. The fact that we are alone up there with so many pairs of eyes staring at us makes us want to flee. There are 2 kinds of anxiety: Trait based: Some people are afraid of any speaking situation. The fear is characteristic of a person. State based: You may be generally a confident speaker in familiar situations – family groups, team meetings. But critical meetings with clients mkae yu go in a tizzy. The apprehension you feel is a state based one - fear of public speaking in challenging situations.

Public speaking anxiety turns your body into a roller coaster of unwanted sensations. It's like your body becomes a mad scientist, concocting a potion of sweat, tremors, and a racing heart, while your blood pressure skyrockets like it's trying to win a race. Meanwhile, your mouth turns into a desert, your chest tightens like a drum, and your face becomes a tomato - all while you're just trying to say "hello" to a crowd. It's basically your body's way of saying, 'Hey, let's turn this speech into an extreme sport!'

The reflexes of your body in a stressful situation – sweaty palms, fast heart beat, parched throat - are physiological manifestations of public speaking anxiety. It's our body telling us that there is danger around. More often than not these reactions are involuntary and hence making it harder to control.

Public speaking anxiety turns your brain into a chaotic circus. Your thoughts start juggling self-doubt, negative thoughts, and the entire script of your speech, while your memory decides to take a nap at the most inconvenient time. It's like your mind becomes a director of a drama, casting you in the lead role of 'The Overthinker' while your concentration decides to take a vacation.

The mental reaction to a public speaking situation – thoughts like you might forget your speech or what if people laugh at you are cognitive manifestations of public speaking anxiety. The physical and mental symptoms lead to behavioural anxiety - Clenching your fists, freezing at the sight of the so many eyes staring at you – are examples of behavioural manifestations of the fear of public speaking. All this put together could lead to the mind going blank, racing heart rate making it harder to breathe, thoughts of wanting to run away to escape the situation.

Coping with public speaking anxiety is like training a wild animal. First, you have to acknowledge the beast (your anxiety) and then, instead of running away, you feed it with preparation, practice, and positive affirmations. Finally, you tame it by visualizing success, taking deep breaths, and remembering that even if you mess up, the world will not end, and you won't be eaten by a lion on stage.

Public speaking anxiety is real but very manageable. Here are 3 ways to do it: 1. Systematic desensitisation: You systematically become less sensitive to speaking situations. Just sit in a comfortable chair, close your eyes and imagine yourself going through increasingly stressful situations and emerging successfully at the end. 2. Visualisation: This helps work on building confidence through an entire speech. Once again, sit comfortably and visualise yourself successfully performing a speech from introduction to conclusion. This helps your subconscious be better prepared for actual public speaking. 3. Cognitive restructuring: It’s about rationally evaluating your fears and restructuring your thought process.

I agree not one but many do have the issue of public speaking which in result affects their not only physically also mentally . The illusions one carries before even speaking or coming to any stage or platform needs to be eradicated. Another common issue is Fear which is False Expectations Appearing Real to many stops them to speak openly or confidentiality. Good practice is to talk to yourself in front of a mirror , or someone who is very close to you , do this as many times you require to do. Do carry a piece of paper mentioning the bullet points to discuss or to talk. Always face the audience as if you know them very well and much before this particular event or session . Speak with confidence whether people like it or not .

I recall my first ever public speaking event. It was super success. I was told that the audience may get thinner and thinner every 10 minutes leaving about half by the end. I was cool. And then, they had tripled by the end. The following helped: 1. I had visualised in my mind speaking to bigger audience. Mind had already practiced. 2. I spoke authentic and specific nothing abstract. 3. I told stories from my own experience by becoming someone of their age ... 4. I carried a belief always: When mike is in my hands then why should I fear. Those who are made to sit and listen to me may if they want to ... It is all about preparation, mastery in the subject, a readiness to respond to any questions, humility to accept if you don't know.

One thing I've found helpful is to rehearse my speech and talking points before I go on stage. Also, acknowledging that nervousness is normal and accepting it will help the process go smoothly. I also recommend breathing exercises before you go on stage to help you relax. Also, find a friend or a colleague in the audience you can make eye contact with while giving your talk. Seeing a familiar face helps me feel more confident on stage.

??? I recommend the following tips for improving public speaking: 1.Engage in Toastmasters or Public Speaking Groups: Joining groups like Toastmasters can provide a supportive environment for practicing and receiving constructive feedback. 2.Analyse Successful Speakers: Study well-known speakers and analyze their techniques, styles, and delivery methods for inspiration.(e.g.,TED Talks) 3.Real-life Examples: Use real-life examples, anecdotes, or case studies to illustrate your points, making your content more relatable and applicable. 4.Enhance speaking by listening to podcasts.

Our fear about public speaking ties to our deeply engrained fears of being judged by others and our inner tormenting thoughts about "not being ______ enough". There are many gimmicks out there (such as the AIs recommended tips above honestly). A better approach is to leverage therapy modalities that allow us to release shame and unburden ourselves from these thoughts. Two methods that work really well is somatic therapy and internal family systems. Both of these bring compassion to parts of our psyches and bodies that keep us locked in up I'm our own cages of self doubt. Dealing with the root of fear is the best way. Beyond that, rehearse out loud many times, get feedback early, nail down timing and improve one thing everytime ????

Practice. Practice. Practice. Whether it is at home alone or in front of a small group of people, you can master public speaking only by doing it. Like you can never learn driving by just sitting in your car and not taking it out for a drive, you can't learn public speaking unless you get out there in front of the public. Fail fast and you'll cross the hurdle of fear.

In my experience, joining Toastmasters was life-changing for me. I joined Toastmasters in 2008 while stationed in Germany, and it was one of the best learning experiences in public speaking. I've joined several clubs since, and I always learn new things. I enjoy the feedback from the other members, which is done in a very constructive manner. It also gives you the opportunity to test your public speaking style in front of a supportive audience.

1. Read books on public speaking. Learn the formal structure of preparing and delivering 2. Watch TED Talks and commencement speeches - that'll help you watch and emulate 3. Create a slot to practice everyday. Pick impromptu topics and work on them The better preapred you are, the lesser the self-doubt.

This article has some great tips when you're learning the art of public speaking. However, when you are experienced and good at public speaking, continued anxiety about it could be imposter syndrome. Where you feel that you're not quite good enough, despite your evident success. In this case, the solution is to address the root cause of imposter syndrome itself, which makes the anxiety fall away.