Is a fear of public speaking holding you back in life?

Many companies these days require some employees to make a presentation in front of a group of people. They could also be called on to voice their opinions in company meetings. This might happen to you, and the very idea of speaking in front of other people, may send you into a panic.

A chronic fear of public speaking, known as glossophobia, is a speech anxiety which is very common. Studies have indicated that about 70% of the general population are fearful of public speaking, and is more prevalent in younger folk, with females being in the majority.

Glossophobia causes a variety of physical symptoms which can be quite frightening. Here are some of them:

·      Nausea and panic when faced with having to speak in public.

·      Sudden, increased perspiration.

·      A blood pressure spike.

·      A dry mouth.

·      A muscle spasm in the upper back area.  

Glossophobia is treatable, and experts agree that hypnotherapy and the techniques of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is the best way to access the subconscious mind and get to the root of the problem.

Some causes of glossophobia.

Phobias often begin in childhood or early adulthood. It may be because of biological factors, psychological issues, and other general anxieties. For example, people who fear public speaking, may have fears of being rejected or embarrassed. There may also have been a prior bad experience of having to speak in public, which is still lingering in the mind.

Low self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence are also key factors which feed any fears you may have of public speaking, and can promote the development of full-scale glossophobia. 

The good news is that because glossophobia has a record of being successfully treated, you can in time learn to handle the situation which is causing the fear.

Some steps you can take to help yourself.

Learning to improve your public speaking skills can help you make any presentation with ease, which can enhance your career and earn the respect of colleagues in the workplace.

Here are some ways you can use to help begin the healing process: 

·      If you are due to speak in public, get yourself organised ahead of time.

·      Make sure you know your topic well. If you do stray slightly off course, you will be able to recover quickly.

·      Be prepared by, if possible, visiting the venue and checking out the equipment.

·      Practise your presentation more than once with family or friends, and ask for genuine comments and feedback. Always review the comments carefully and make improvements where necessary.

·      Do not focus on the audience while you are speaking, rather concentrate on your material. People usually focus on the information they are receiving, and not on the presenter. The chances are, no matter how nervous you may be, they will most likely not even notice.  

·      If you momentarily lose track of what you are saying, don’t panic if there are a few seconds of silence. Simply take a deep breath, and proceed. Speak off the cuff for a couple of minutes if you have to. This will give you confidence and help you to connect better with the audience.

These are some simple methods to help ease your fears and get you going in the right direction.

How hypnotherapy can help you overcome glossophobia.

Hypnotherapy is able to access the subconscious mind where many of the issues of low self-esteem and lack of confidence are lurking in the form of anxiety and panic, and which come to the fore when you are confronted with the need for public speaking. When you are in a relaxed state, the therapist can access the subconscious mind and establish the origin of the fears which are holding you captive.

Some of the issues could go way back to your childhood when you may have been ridiculed by your peers, or they could be more recent such as a speaking engagement you had, which was a flop. These and other events may be contributing to the glossophobia you are experiencing.

Hypnosis, combined with neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) can eliminate old ideas and baggage and give you a new, positive mindset. NLP is a study of becoming an excellent communicator which uses a specific set of tools and techniques to infuse you with confidence. 

You will learn how to achieve your goal of mastering public speaking on every occasion you are called upon.