What is the usefulness of having the "fear of public speaking"? Well at first you might say "nothing", correct? Let me help you a bit here. Don't most people unconsciously harbor the notion that the fear of public speaking is supposed to: 1. Help them prepare properly for a speech, so that, 2. They will be ready, so that, 3. They will do a good job, so that, 4. They will be successful, so that, 5. They will get a positive and accepting response from the audience, so that, 6. They will feel accomplished, successful, validated, relieved, happy, successful and good about themselves? In other words if I summarize what has just been said we have the conclusion that: (A) The fear of public speaking causes one to feel accomplished, successful, validated, relieved, happy, successful and good about themselves. Now does that resonate with you? If you're not sure just take a moment and get right into that fear and notice what it does to you. You probably feel, while you're in that fear some or all of the following: Dread, anxious, lacking in self confidence, like running away and hiding, weak, vulnerable, confused and unable to concentrate, absolutely unready, lousy about yourself, like a failure, and so on. So does that sound like (A) above? If you look at it closely I think you'll recognize that it is exactly the opposite. So if you're with me so far here's what you can do if you wish: 1. Place your hand over your heart. 2. As if you are speaking from your heart ask that the false statement (A) be completely purged from your life once and for all. 3. With your hand over your heart ask that the fear of public speaking be purged from your life completely. 4. Now reflect on how you would rather feel and be while you are in front of any audience. Possible suggestions include: attentive, focused, confident, charismatic, relaxed, light hearted, at peace, calm, happy, joyful, open, in the flow, etc. 5. Now commit yourself, always speaking from your heart, to be this way from now on. 6. Now again place yourself, in your minds eye, in front of that audience again and notice how you feel. You should notice a palpable difference in yourself. If the shift is not completely what you desire then it means that you are still carrying unconscious negative memories that feed your fear (See my article on "Emotional Landmines"). These will need to be completely released for you to achieve total resilience and confidence as a public speaker. If you'd like direct assistance in this direction kindly visit the web link below and arrange your introductory consultation on the telephone with me. |
