People in general, have definite feelings of fear and anxiety about public speaking.  It is known as the ‘number one fear of man”.  In this current competitive job arena, being able to manage public speaking many times is not only essential but definitely the key to moving ahead and even to keeping the job. Consider 5 Ways to Minimize Public Speaking Fears.

The fear of public speaking is actually only the tip of the iceberg.  The experience which is usually seen as most uncomfortable has to do with the psychological/physiological reaction to the experience.  There may be pounding chest, trembling, rapid and shallow breathing or sweating.  Not only are these sensations uncomfortable within but there is the worry that others can see them which seems to compound them.   There is also the negative social experiences such as feelings of embarrassment, humiliation and worry over possible damage to one’s reputation.

This fear of public speaking may occur for many reasons.  Many times people have had experiences from the past, even in their childhood, of performing poorly or in their eyes having feelings of embarrassment.  These experiences seem to negatively affect them to a great degree.  Some of it has to do with feelings of low self confidence or self worth where self doubt creates anxiety.

There are many behavioral ways to manage these thoughts and to get oneself back into control.   For some, I have found using the tool of hypnosis to be very effective in not only releasing some of the old programming, i.e. previous bad experiences, but in recreating a successful self image using visualization and newer inner programming.  The subconscious mind responds to thoughts and images presented to it in a relaxed state.

The most effective use of this technique is through frequent use of programmed relaxation with corrective images of performing well.  Hypnosis is highly effective in dealing with the negative physiological feelings by anchoring feelings of calm and relaxation and looking at the  response with the surge of adrenaline prior to speaking as engineered to better the performance.

Fear of Public Speaking CAN be managed.