What is Fear of Public Speaking?
Most people experience feelings of fear, anxiety or panic attacks when faced with the idea of speaking in public. This usually involves delivering a speech, making a business presentation to your manager and a team of colleagues, announcing a toast at a wedding or talking to a small group of people in a team or committee setting.
These feelings are perfectly normal and even the most seasoned speaker will tell you that he or she feels nervous before facing an audience and also struggles with the occasional "ums" and "ahs" during their speech. Often people will avoid speaking in public at all costs because they may be afraid of failure, criticism or a previous public speaking experience may evoke bad memories.
Not confronting your fear of public speaking can impact negatively on your social, academic and career opportunities. The best way to conquer any fear is to face it head on by taking action. Remember, even if you struggle while speaking, at least you tried and that is a start!
What causes Fear of Open Spaced?
A number of factors may contribute to your fear of public speaking and these include:
- Trauma or negative events that occurred during childhood or adulthood and as a result the mind associates fear with speaking in public
- A slow build up of avoiding speaking in public that has escalated to such an extent because the mind and nervous system has now become conditioned to emotions of fear and anxiety
- The speaker suffers from low self esteem, constantly seeks approval, expects failure or perfection
Help for Fear of Public Speaking
Certain medications such as beta blockers may be prescribed to treat anxiety symptoms. However, if you decide not to choose medications, there are a number of alternative therapies available. Alternative therapies such as counseling, psychotherapy, hypnosis or meditation can be very helpful in decreasing symptoms of anxiety.
Attend public speaking, communications skills or presentation courses that are specifically designed to help you overcome your fear of public speaking and develop confidence in your speaking abilities.
Natural and holistic treatments are a gentler alternative for providing effective relief from fear and anxiety experienced when speaking in public. Treatments such as herbal and homeopathic remedies are safe to use without being addictive.
Carefully selected herbs such as Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm), Lavandula augustifolia (Lavender) and Passiflora incarnata (Passion Flower) promote nervous system health by ensuring that your nerves remain soothed and calm. Homeopathic ingredients such as Gelsemium, Chocolatum and Graphites help reduce anxiety levels, conquer shyness, social phobia and worries, and promotes a sense of calmness.
