Are you scared to speak in the public?

[ironk]

Well, are you or is it just me that starts to get the following symptoms:

-heart beating a lot faster
-sweaty palms
-voice stuttering

Also, is this something genetic or something that could be overcome?

 

[gopunk]

most people can overcome it with practice.

the only thing that afflicts me is my voice shakes a little. but that's about it... i've spoken in front of a couple thousand.

 

[johnjohn320]

Everybody gets that to a certain extent, but if yours is severe, I would look into something like...oh shoot what's it called, like EMSR or something like that. I can't remember what exactly the letters are. It's a form of eye movement, tracing something back and forth. A professional can do it to you for a couple hundred bucks I think, and it has a really high success rate.

Someone please correct me on that lettering...

 

[Lars]

<< Well, are you or is it just me that starts to get the following symptoms:

-heart beating a lot faster
-sweaty palms
-voice staturing (hope I spelled that right).

Also, is this something genetic or something that could be overcome? >>




You can practice talking in public, it really helps to overcome these symptoms.
Ok, they won't go away 100% but you will feel much more confident.

 

[SSP]

I dont think its genetics. There are classes you can take to get rid of that fear.. I dont know what the proper word for that fear is. Anyway, its normal I think if you dont have experience.

 

[Radiohead]

Also, is this something genetic or something that could be overcome?
Ah don't worry, it's natural.. you're not disfunctional or anything Sounds like you need more practice @ public speaking.

 

[911paramedic]

I had that problem for a long time but overcame it. I went on to become a teaching paramedic as well as a scuba instructor. I would also teach emergency and wilderness to our search and rescue team.

The secret is to REALLY know your material so that no matter what question you are asked you can answer it. My anxiety cam in more when I was stuck for the answer. Think about something you really like and know alot about, a game, bikes, computers, whatever. Imagine talking to a bunch of people about that, would you be comfortable? Same with other things, you just need to know and love the material.

David

 

[UglyCasanova]

Just picture everyone in their underwear. But then if you look at a hot girl in her underwear and it begins to show you have a little more to worry about hiding than sweaty palms.

I get that feeling too. I guess that is usually why I am quiet in public. When around strangers I am extremely shy, but once I get comfortable around them I loosen up to the point that I seem hyper.

 

[AreaCode707]

<< -voice staturing (hope I spelled that right).
>>


I think you mean stuttering

 

[ironk]

I think I have a severe problem with it then since I lose my train of thought and almost go into a haze like world where nothing makes sense. This happens to me every time I try to speak in front of people. So usually I keep quiet at a gathering of a bunch of people. Someone told me once that fear of public speaking is second to fear of death. Any comments on that?

 

[UCBPhantom]

actually i think i heard a variant of that in one of jerry seinfeld's skits...that fear of public speaking is #1, followed by fear of death. =). anyway, i had a fear of public speaking in high school, but noticed that a) if i really knew what i was talking about, things were easier, and b) it helps to speak in public to people that are lower than you (by class rank, age, occupation level, etc..). The latter boosts confidence, I think, and helps overcome the fear when you are speaking to your equals.

 

[911paramedic]

ironic, look above to my prior response, it really works.

 

[tm37]

Seinfeld once said that more people are afraid of speaking in public than death.

Which means .........................

If you are at a Funeral it is better to be IN THE box rather than giving the Eulogy!

 

[falias]

I have this same problem, I turn red in the face and my voice sutters. Everyone told me that practtoce makes it better but I'm still having problems with it.

 

[911paramedic]

Try Scotch.

 

[Random Variable]

I usually get extremely nervous because I have a speech disfluency (i.e. I stutter).

 

[Squisher]

I just had to take a class in presentational speaking. That was tough. But, I got better at it by the time the class ended.

 

[Infos]

What seinfeld said, is and has been fact for a long, long time

If you weren't scared you would be part of a very small group

 

[Zim Hosein]

ironk, like 911paramedic mentioned, have a drink first, should loosen you up. Some have mentioned classes and the like, definately worth it.

 

[Herbman]

Deep breath at the start and remember to breath, take your time. Its easy to rush your self and get tripped up.

I have watched dudes drop right in front of me giving speeches.(My worst nightmare) I think alot of it has to do with proper breathing.

 

[Scarpozzi]

<< Are you scared to speak in the public? >>


I don't mind speaking in the public....just when I have to speak TO them....that's tough stuff. It helps if you're drunk.

 

[StandardCell]

The key to public speaking is this - once you have the audience there, they will NOT make assumptions as to your level of knowledge on the subject beforehand. You have total control over what you say and who says it. Believe in the fact that you know what you're talking about and everything will be ok. Focus on this very very carefully. It's critical.

You see people smiling or laughing? It may not be at you. It may be at something that you reminded them of and they happen to be smiling at you. But even if it is laughing at you, they obviously don't have the maturity to listen to you. Afraid of hecklers? Hecklers are generally viewed as sh!t disturbers and so should you. If they speak, wait and just tell them "are you satisfied now?" It works, believe me. You end up coming out like a rose.

Other than that, I can only suggest you practice. Toastmasters really helps, but anything that you speak at - a club function, dinner, even simple things like proposing a toast - all help.

 

[bootymac]

i joke around outloud in public, example:

History Class
Student: Some Romans beleived that when an earthquake occured, they say Hades is shaking the world.
Me: You mean Hades farted right?
Teacher: *tells me the shut up *

 

[falias]

Tha makes a lot of sense StandardCell. I'll try to get that in my head next time I'm talking in front of people.

 

[notfred]

used to be, but I pretty much got over it.