Did you know when asked about public speaking, many people say they would rather die or hang out with spiders? In fact, the fear of public speaking or “glossophobia” is so prevalent some studies show up to 75% of people suffer from it! That means 3 out 4 people have speech anxiety.
As a public speaking coach, it has been interesting to observe that this speech anxiety filters over into the social media realm and for some people can be even more pronounced when they think about going live on Facebook™. I constantly see comments in groups of women entrepreneurs discussing that they know they “should” go live because it is good for their business, but they feel afraid that people will judge them or that they will “mess up”. Have you ever felt this way? Is your fear stopping you from doing something that could help you have a greater impact on the world?
If you know what it feels like to let the fear of public speaking stop you from doing what you feel called to do…don’t fret. I’m going to share 3 easy steps that will help you put your fear in check, so you can kick it to the curb.
First a quick run down on why you feel so afraid when you think of public speaking or going live. Ever hear of the “fight, flight, freeze” response? This automatic function of your sympathetic nervous system keeps you safe when in danger, but it also triggers when you are imagining something that makes you uncomfortable such as public speaking. That feeling of queasy nervousness is from hormones such as adrenaline dumping into your blood stream and it affects your digestion and circulation of oxygen. Your body is getting ready to run, fight, or hide. The good news is you have the POWER to control how you respond when your body is automatically responding to a stimulus. YES, you are in control.
To get your fear back in check is simple. Try this simple 3 step routine the next time you are feeling nervous about going live or speaking in front of a crowd:
- Do some jumping jacks, walk a flight of stairs or run on the spot. Any type of light cardio will get oxygen flowing back through your entire body. It will ease the feeling of nervousness and help you channel your energy into enthusiasm.
- Take 3 DEEP breaths like you are blowing up a balloon. You should feel your stomach rising and falling instead of just your chest. Again, its about getting the oxygen flowing back to all parts of your body. Taking deep breaths will also help you feel grounded and relaxed.
- Countdown from 5. You may have heard of the 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins? Well it works!! Countdown from 5…5,4,3,2,1. It gets your brain refocused and out of the red zone of fear.
Now you are ready. Just do it. Hit the “go live” button or walk out on that stage!
There is someone out there who is waiting to hear your message. A person whose life you are meant to impact by motivating, inspiring or providing a life altering moment of clarity to them. Allow others to know who you are and what you stand for by sharing your story with them! Creating video or speaking at events is one of the fastest ways to grow your authority and impact. It allows you to connect with the masses instead of just one person at a time. Imagine, growing a following of hundreds of raving fans by simply sharing what you know! By allowing others the opportunity to know, like and trust you.
Your calling and purpose are so much bigger than your fear. Allow them to lead the way and boldly step into your highest self.
BONUS TIP:
Try using a mantra. My absolute favorite is “My Fear and Excitement are the Same” repeat it over and over until your feel your confidence growing and expanding.
