And that's really what it's all about, isn't it? Even now, chances are, your stomach knots when you recall the time you had to stand up in front of the whole class and Give a Talk. Or you feel queasy just remembering that other childhood disaster--the dreaded Piano Recital. What if I make a Mistake? Or worse, totally Blank Out? What if I don't Play Perfectly--which translates into the real issue--What if I (the real I) am ImPerfect and No One Will Love Me For most of us that fear of being unlovable, however it manifests in your particular case, is the trigger that makes our fear of the self-exposure of public speaking so scary. So, how can we metamorphosize that powerful, basic human emotion into a positive and self-affirming technique? The obvious answer is to separate your ego from the act of speaking. The most dependable and permanent method to easily and fully rid yourself of public speaking fears is through a technique of Energy Psychology. However, here's a suggestion which can help you right now: *As you're writing your speech, focus on the value of the information you're presenting. *Put yourself in the position of listener when you attended a talk that made a favorable impression on you. Remember your interest or your excitement at hearing what the speaker was telling you. Was it an outrageous concept, impressive facts, a particular word that stayed in your memory? *Relive that experience with all of the sensory input that you can recall. Call up in your memory:
+How did the room look? colors? shapes? light? +Smell any odors--of wood, papers, people, plants +listen for the sounds around you--air-conditioning or heating system, traffic sounds outside, electronic noises, peoples' shuffling or walking +Remember how your physical body felt. +See if you can pick up the emotions of those around you, especially the pleasant ones.
*When you've gathered as much sensory memory as you can summon, use it to form a powerful habit by repeatedly going over it in your mind, particularly the parts you enjoyed most. Then use this in place of the less helpful self-talk in which you may have been indulging. The object of this endeavor is to embed in your psyche the experience of appreciation you felt for the speaker and her or his information. *Now, in your mind, put yourself in that speaker's place. Focus on the value of your information or entertainment. Imagine the welcome flowing to you from each person in your audience, even before you start to talk. Feel the sense of ease and confidence that arises from knowing that what you have to give your audience is worthwhile and eagerly awaited. Be aware of yourself giving a terrific talk. See and hear the compliments you receive afterward. Enjoy it! The most powerful times to do this imagining is when you first awaken in the morning, if you take a nap during the day, and at night before slipping into sleep. It may even improve your dreams! |
