When you give a speech or presentation does your heart beat like a drum and your hands shake? Feel embarrassed when you pick up a glass of water because you make the liquid shake like a tsunami? Do your teeth chatter like you’re at the North Pole? You’re not alone. Glossophobia (the fear of public speaking) affects up to 75% of the population to one degree or another, and is said to be a fear greater than death itself! As Jerry Seinfeld once said, at a funeral most people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.

So what do we do with this fear? Begin with acceptance, and adjust your expectations. Nobody is perfectly relaxed when speaking in front of people; it’s natural to feel anxious before a speaking event, so expect it. Keeping your expectations reasonable will help alleviate your anxiety.

Next, try some progressive relaxation exercises leading up to your speaking event. Sit in a chair with your back aligned and your eyes shut. Begin the exercise by simply noticing your breath for a few moments. Then imagine that you are breathing into different muscle groups, beginning with your scalp, and working your way down to your feet. Make sure to breath into your eyes, your shoulders, etc. Don’t try too hard to relax, that will defeat the purpose. Try to focus on the process and not the result. If you still feel tense afterwards, that’s ok, continue working on the exercise daily. In time you might find your body and mind settling.

Good luck, and contact me if you’d like to work further on your presentation skills.