When you’re anxious your entire body responds with how you feel. This is known as the fight or flight response. Though it can make you feel terrified and anxious it is simply your body’s response to a nerve-racking situation. It’s an animal instinct that tells you to either run from danger or get in there and fight. I realize that sometimes it feels like you would prefer to die rather than rise and give a presentation, but what will really happen when speak? Is the action of speaking actually threatening your life? Obviously not, you must make time to relax and process what your body is going through. Understand the indicators of the fight or flight response, and find ways to manage your nervous impulse.
What exactly is occurring in fight or flight mode? Well, its an array of different things. First of all your brain sends adrenaline through your nervous system. That causes your heart rate to escalate, delivering an increased supply of blood to the muscles. This causes you to start sweating.Then your breathing becomes more rapid. Your body converts glycogen to glucose to provide your body with immediate energy. Your pupils also dilate to help you see better.
Now you see that when your body is getting ready to give a speech it undergoes various dramatic changes. You need to find some methods of dealing with these changes. Foremost, you’ll want to take control of your breathing. Take long deep breathes, in though your nose and out through your mouth. It often helps you to stretch. This will loosen tense muscles. Finally relax your mind by visualizing yourself speaking. See yourself doing an amazing job, in which everything runs smoothly.
In summary, you see that when speaking anxiety kicks in your body reacts to protect you from danger. Realize that nothing is going to physically hurt you on stage. Apply the simple tricks to relax your nervousness and you will be okay. Now get out there and make an impact on some audiences!
For a full course on controlling stage fright and public speaking anxiety visit http://www.speak-elite.com
