The Public Speaking Test for Anxiety
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It seems that most people at a funeral would rather be the person in the coffin than the one giving the eulogy! Although this might not be completely true, the truth is that public speaking is something that most people would gladly not face. By Charles T. Winnbaker If you're someone that needs to make a presentation, give a sermon, or for some other reasons do some public speaking, a test for anxiety may be necessary. After all, most people admit that public speaking is their number one fear, even before death and dying. As amazing as that sounds, it means that most people at a funeral would rather be the person in the coffin than the one giving the eulogy! Although this might not be true, the truth is that public speaking is a test for anxiety that most people would gladly not face. There are some tips and tricks that you can use to get over this fear, and we're not talking about the old 'picture everyone in their underwear' routine. While that advice may elicit a few chuckles, there are a lot more practical steps you can take when you need to do some public speaking, the test for anxiety that is so tremendously difficult for everyone. Why Picture Them in Their Underwear? We wouldn't encourage any speaker to picture anyone in their underwear; that is just a good way to get sued - or to get sick, depending on the looks of your audience! However, the whole reason that this became a practice for public speaking, and a test for anxiety, is because this was meant to remind the speaker that his or her audience is made up of human beings, just like him or her. They too are nervous, anxious, and afraid of speaking, and probably have their own things that make them feel terrified as well. They're not there to hurt you or make fun of you, so you need to put your mind at ease. That's the first step. Another important tip is to picture the faces of everyone in the crowd individually, and to make yourself feel as if you are talking to that person one-on-one. Forget the crowd, which is only going to make you nervous. Really put yourself in a person-to-person conversation with that one individual. Talk directly to him or her during your speech or sermon. You will most probably feel less anxious, as you are having a more intimate conversation with a person rather than talking with a crowd. Public Speaking Anxiety - The Real Test Many times people feel that the way they feel during the speech or sermon is out of their control and if they get anxious and nervous, that's it. They will feel anxious and nervous. Actually, the real test comes before your speak. It's very important to make a test for yourself before you get to that stage, so that you can better understand where your anxiety comes from. That way you can address is properly. Imagine giving a speech, lecture, or sermon. How does that make you feel? Does it make your heart race, can you feel your palms getting sweaty? This test can be very important, as you should know all the mental and physical symptoms you might have in the real situation. Are you afraid, and if so, of what? Of not knowing the answer to a question that's asked of you, or of losing your place during your speech? Are you afraid of embarrassing yourself, of fainting, or dying, or throwing up? Were you not afraid of these things before, but now that we've mentioned them, you suddenly are? This is a strong clue as to the importance of this public speaking test for anxiety before your lecture. The power of suggestion is strong; if you think you're going to be sick, you might be. If you think you're going to lose your place, then you probably will. The good side of this is that you can use this mental power to your advantage as well. Start telling yourself that you are a strong, powerful, successful, forthright, and dynamic speaker. If you keep telling yourself that your audience will respect and respond to you, they most likely will. To address your fears and reactions honestly and effectively, you need to be honest with yourself so that you'll know what your initial reactions and fears are. Public Speaking Test for Anxiety - Preparation Is Important Doing this public speaking test for anxiety can also clue you in on how important preparation is for any speech, lecture, sermon, or presentation. If you know your material inside and out, and are familiar with all parts of your speech, then you'll be less likely to have problems with it. Once you are truly prepared, things like losing a place in your notes is easily overcome and you are much better able to answer any questions that your listeners might have. You should be very honest with yourself as you are taking this public speaking test for anxiety, as it will point out your weaknesses so you'll know where to improve. Use that information to your advantage and prepare well for your presentation! After Your Public Speaking Test for Anxiety, Put Things in Perspective Naturally, you still might have fears and doubts about yourself as a speaker, but you have to remember that is just normal behavior for most of us. You have to remind yourself that you can do only so well with any presentation or a lecture. If you are asked a question you don't know an answer to, just commend on the question and admit honestly that you are not sure of the answer, but you will research the subject and get back to them. When something embarrassing happens, just laugh it off. We all make mistakes and blunders, and laughter is the best medicine for most of us. Things are not that serious! Even though there is no public speaking test for anxiety that can prepare you for everything that might happen, it certainly helps you to prepare after an honest evaluation. You should feel very proud of yourself for even tackling public speaking and getting in front of an audience in the first place! About the Author: Read about The Public Speaking Test for Anxiety and other issues on How to Solve Panic Attacks. Article Source: Eulogy Site - http://EulogySite.com More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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