Do you get Anxious When Speaking in Public?

Are you tired of letting stress control your life? Does it stop you from having your say or helping others understand important information you would like to share with them?

In today's journey through Stoicism, we'll explore answers to some of the most common questions about this ancient philosophy and how it can help you in your modern life, especially about sharing your thoughts on a public stage.

Stoic Quote: "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." - Seneca

Exploration: Seneca's words are incredibly relevant in our fast-paced and often overwhelming world. Many people avoid challenges because they fear failure or discomfort. Stoicism teaches us that it's our perception of difficulties that make them seem insurmountable. By shifting our perspective, we can face adversity with courage.

Consider the common modern-day challenge of public speaking. Many fear it, not because it's inherently terrifying, but because they perceive it as such. Stoicism encourages us to change our mindset and see it as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

Let me share a personal story that connects with this Stoic principle that I wish I had known back in the 80s and 90s when I shared my knowledge therapeutically by creating workshops and courses. I used to dread public speaking, much like many others. However, by applying techniques and learning from public speaking courses I attended I got through.

I only wish I had known Stoic wisdom back then that would have gone a long way to reframing my fear and given me an opportunity for personal growth. The stoic approach would have shown me how I could have transformed this challenge into a strength. It's a powerful example of how Stoicism can help us conquer our fears and live more boldly knowing that the obstacle is the way forward.

Useful Tip: One practical Stoic tip to help you manage stress and fear is to practice negative visualization. This means mentally preparing for the worst possible outcomes, which reduces the fear associated with them. When you acknowledge that you can handle adversity, it becomes less daunting.

Also building up your confidence is essential, something a stoic approach can help, and knowing your topic in-depth can go a long way when having to speak in front of people, sharing why you are talking about a topic, how it will help the audience, and what can be taken and used in real life once they leave the room will go a long way in getting your message across.

Conclusion: I'd love to hear your thoughts on this Stoic concept and how you've applied it in your life. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below. And for those of you looking to dive deeper into Stoicism, don't forget to check out our "Free Stoic Solutions Toolkit" for additional support on your Stoic journey. Stay Stoic, my friends!

Gary