Lori
07-03-2001, 02:38 PM
I hope someone can help me with this!
For some reason I have this fear of talking in front of a crowd of people. I shake, I cry! Its horrible!
As an example, just recently I had to make a presentation in front of a semi-large crowd. I was completely prepared, was doing research on the information for months. As soon as I went up there and started talking, I was shaking, started crying, and totally forgot everything I had practiced. So in other words, made a complete fool of myself.
and this always happens! Very frusterating! What happens when I enter the businesss world with this and I need to do this in meetings and such? EEK!
Ive tried everything from deep breaths, looking at their forehead instead of in their eyes, etc.
Any ideas? Support?
Take care,
Lori
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I wish to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.
For some reason I have this fear of talking in front of a crowd of people. I shake, I cry! Its horrible!
As an example, just recently I had to make a presentation in front of a semi-large crowd. I was completely prepared, was doing research on the information for months. As soon as I went up there and started talking, I was shaking, started crying, and totally forgot everything I had practiced. So in other words, made a complete fool of myself.
and this always happens! Very frusterating! What happens when I enter the businesss world with this and I need to do this in meetings and such? EEK!
Ive tried everything from deep breaths, looking at their forehead instead of in their eyes, etc.
Any ideas? Support?
Take care,
Lori
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I wish to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.
Sponsor
auntjudyg
07-05-2001, 10:48 AM
Public speaking ranks among the most prevalent fears. Practice might help lessen it for you. People have recommended to me joining "Toastmasters" or some such organization (I never followed up, so do not know the particulars and whether it is a national organization). Or is there some sort of continuing education class in your area on the subject.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Dreamin4-1more
07-05-2001, 04:30 PM
Hello,
I understand exactly what your talking about.
I have been there, stood up, totally prepared with my notes and turned beet red, stammered and stuttered and cried.
I was on Paxel for awhile for anziety, for about 2 years I took a low dose and it really helped keep me calm. Been off of that for a year now and doing fine.
And, this might sound weird, but Online Voice chat rooms helped too.
When I first started trying to "step up to the mic" even to say hello in this "faceless" type of chat I would have the same symptoms, but after a period of time , because of the non-face-to-face structure, I gained courage and began to talk...... and talk and talk and talk..LOL
It has helped me out a LOT in the "real world" as it gave me my voice back in a safe environment.
One other thing that still helps me , and that is what I call "role playing" and that is to place yourself in the role of the kind of person you want to appear to be(even tho you might not think your that type of person it helps take the pressure off of "YOU" and helps you to think about "playing the part" instead of thinking about your audience and their reaction to you.) Just Act like the person you want to project, and once your done ,after all, it was you the whole time!*S*
If all that doesn't work, Humor is medicine for the anxious soul. One good line, even about how nervous you are, IE. "If you should happen to hear a knocking sound through my presentation, please pay no attention, as my knees are just makeing sure I know their still there!" (I know that one is corny as all hell but you can think up your own)LOL
It makes your audience aware of your nervessness in a lighthearted way and they will be sympathetic and will actually project positive, encouraging looks your way.
After all, 9 times out of 10 they have been in your shoes at least once in their lives and can relate.
GOd Bless!
Sorry so long,
Gina :wave:
I understand exactly what your talking about.
I have been there, stood up, totally prepared with my notes and turned beet red, stammered and stuttered and cried.
I was on Paxel for awhile for anziety, for about 2 years I took a low dose and it really helped keep me calm. Been off of that for a year now and doing fine.
And, this might sound weird, but Online Voice chat rooms helped too.
When I first started trying to "step up to the mic" even to say hello in this "faceless" type of chat I would have the same symptoms, but after a period of time , because of the non-face-to-face structure, I gained courage and began to talk...... and talk and talk and talk..LOL
It has helped me out a LOT in the "real world" as it gave me my voice back in a safe environment.
One other thing that still helps me , and that is what I call "role playing" and that is to place yourself in the role of the kind of person you want to appear to be(even tho you might not think your that type of person it helps take the pressure off of "YOU" and helps you to think about "playing the part" instead of thinking about your audience and their reaction to you.) Just Act like the person you want to project, and once your done ,after all, it was you the whole time!*S*
If all that doesn't work, Humor is medicine for the anxious soul. One good line, even about how nervous you are, IE. "If you should happen to hear a knocking sound through my presentation, please pay no attention, as my knees are just makeing sure I know their still there!" (I know that one is corny as all hell but you can think up your own)LOL
It makes your audience aware of your nervessness in a lighthearted way and they will be sympathetic and will actually project positive, encouraging looks your way.
After all, 9 times out of 10 they have been in your shoes at least once in their lives and can relate.
GOd Bless!
Sorry so long,
Gina :wave:
Lori
07-07-2001, 10:12 AM
Thanks so much for the replies! I feel a lot better knowing that I'm not alone in this!! It's so embarassing and all the preparation work I did before the presentation just goes right down the tube. You two gave some really great suggestions! I will have to try, I really want to get over this stupid fear.
Thanks soooo much again!!!
Take care :)
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I wish to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.
Thanks soooo much again!!!
Take care :)
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I wish to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.
ILOVEARIZONA
09-03-2001, 01:23 PM
sorry about your problem. i have social phobia so i can sympathize. good luck!
dreamin4-how in the world do you get that little moving icon?
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STEPHANIE :-)
dreamin4-how in the world do you get that little moving icon?
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STEPHANIE :-)
ILOVEARIZONA
09-03-2001, 02:55 PM
dreamin4-never mind. i figured it out!
:bouncing:
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STEPHANIE :-)
:bouncing:
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STEPHANIE :-)
genesis
09-21-2001, 07:11 AM
STAGE FRIGHT!!!!!!!!
Whenever you experience communication apprehension, and you have short breaths, your knees lock, and you feel like you're going to pass out, just breathe, relax each part of your body, and find three focal points to look at during your presentation- they could be foreheads, walls, whatever...just look at these three points - don't be pressured to look at or address the whole entire audience.
Whenever you experience communication apprehension, and you have short breaths, your knees lock, and you feel like you're going to pass out, just breathe, relax each part of your body, and find three focal points to look at during your presentation- they could be foreheads, walls, whatever...just look at these three points - don't be pressured to look at or address the whole entire audience.
Dani Girl 78
09-08-2005, 12:09 AM
Ok I sorta have this, but it's an all the time thing. I feel nervous when I'm going to call my mom (or anyone else). I hate drive-thru windows. Asking for help in a store, you name it I get all nervous, butterflies in my stomache and I can talk but my voice breaks up and alot of times I can't finish the words. I think that I may not be breathing correctly. My stomache muscles tighten and I have to exhale before I start to talk. I have delt with this pretty much aslong as I can remember. Any word with a vowel in the beginning or the ending seems to be the worst for me. I also hate introducing myself to people because of my name. This affects my whole life...I so wish that I could speak as clearly as I want to. I fell that I would be able to do alot more with myself and further my life so much if I didn't have this crippling fear. I want to know what my full potential is.