For many people the thought of having to step up and speak to an audience brings on a feeling of fear and anxiety.
Perhaps you’re one of them?
I used to be.
I lived with my fear of public speaking (speech anxiety) for decades. For me it all started at junior school when I was laughed at by my class, and my teacher, for stumbling over a word when reading to them. As a result my survival system said – ‘We’re not doing that again, ever. Far too painful.’ Voila! I was instantly traumatised.
So when I began my corporate career the prospect of speaking in front of a group, of any size, left me paralysed with fear. And when I couldn’t avoid the requirement to speak, my performances were somewhat like a possum caught in the headlights.
I’ve no doubt that my speaking anxiety and the avoidance behaviour it drove, held me back in my career. Over the years I gradually built up my confidence, because at some point I made a conscious decision to overcome my fear. That saw me putting my hand up for every speaking opportunity that came along even though a BIG part of me was screaming “NO!” It was no fun at all. I liken it to a course of self directed exposure therapy.
Eventually I built enough confidence to take a BIG step out of my comfort zone. I enrolled in an improvised theatre class. My rationale for doing this was that surely nothing could be more frightening than walking out onto a stage, in front of a room full of people, with absolutely no idea what to say or do, but having to say or do something. I knew that if I could do that, then I would truly be free of my speaking anxiety.
And that’s what happened.
By combining my improvisation experience with the mind and emotion management skills I’ve learned as a coach, I’ve said goodbye to that old debilitating speaking anxiety. Yes, I still feel some anxiety before a performance, but now I interpret it as excitement. It provides me with the energy and edge I need to perform well.
If you have a fear of public speaking it’s likely you’ve lived with it, like I did, since childhood, and it’s likely that the fear has had an adverse impact on you personally and professionally. You may be consistently avoiding speaking opportunities at work and missing out on promotions. The good news is you can overcome the fear. My story is proof that it’s possible.
You can become more relaxed, confident and secure when speaking in public whether that’s giving a speech or presentation or chairing a meeting. You can actually learn to enjoy – yes – enjoy, public speaking.
If a fear of public speaking has been holding you back and limiting your personnel and career success, but you’re ready now, to transform that fear into excitement and enjoyment, my new (3 hour) Fearless Speaking Workshop will enable you to do that.
In the workshop I’ll be providing lots of tools and techniques to help eliminate your speech anxiety while strengthening your confidence and skills.
As a regular reader of my blog, when you pre-register your interest in attending the workshop you’ll receive a 15% reduction on the ticket price once they go on sale. To pre-register simply send me an email (tony@tycoaching.nz) with your full name and a contact number.
And if you’d like to receive one on one coaching for your fear of public speaking, contact me on 021 056 8389 or tony@tycoaching.nz to discuss the coaching package that will suit your needs best.
Have a wonderful sunny weekend
Tony
REMEMBER – “When you change your mind you change your life.”
Tony Yuile is on a mission to help people enjoy lives free of unnecessary stress and anxiety. If you’d like his help, or you know someone who would benefit, give Tony a confidential call/text today on 021 056 8389 or email tony@tycoaching.nz
