#91
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Public Speaking for the Socially Anxious
I was thinking of joining toastmasters actually as I would really very much like to overcome my fear of public speaking, particularly as it will give me the opportunity to regularly practice speaking to people (the 'persistence' dimension of black_mamba's guide).
However, whilst one of the reasons they state for people joining is "overcoming fear of public speaking", it does cite a lot of other reasons, and I fear that it will mainly be people who are already pretty good, but just want to perfect their speaking. So I wonder whether anyone who has attended can suggest what the environment was like in this regard? |
#92
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Public Speaking for the Socially Anxious
Quote:
|
#93
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Public Speaking for the Socially Anxious
If it's any consolation, although I am now confident at public speaking (to a degree) I wouldn't say that those skills and that confidence easily translates into more informal social confidence. It's almost like a completely different set of skills to be able to engage a large audience vs. talk informally.
|
#95
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Public Speaking for the Socially Anxious
^ Yeah really helpful. Not only are you less likely to succeed if you avoid public speaking, but it's more about how you look and sound than what you say? Really helpful lol.
I had to do a lot of public speaking in a previous job including twice to a news crew, but my SA wasn't as bad then. I also spent my 20's singing in bands. I have also done public speaking with bad SA, and the last time was when I performed a handfasting for my best friends. I really thought I was going to poo or vomit waiting to go through, and they had written 4 A4 pages of stuff to be read out! What you can't see are the 50 or so spectators. I did it, I didn't imagine anyone naked or on the loo, I just concentrated on my friends and the paper in front of me and tried to pretend there was no-one else, made sure I kept my voice strong and steady and smiled all the way through. I think concentrating on the outcome and why you are up there helps you to focus. I don't think you need to be good at public speaking to succeed in life and that info-graphic is actually quite insulting! |
#97
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Public Speaking for the Socially Anxious
I get so nervous in some social settings that I often sit there silent because I'm too nervous to voice my ideas or add my input, especially work meetings. I am expected to give presentation soon in front of a large number of staff members and I'm terrified.
|
#98
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Public Speaking for the Socially Anxious
Hope it goes well Dylan
|
#99
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Public Speaking for the Socially Anxious
For me I've alway enjoyed given presentations which doesn't really make sense as I have social anxiety. I'd always practice them over and over again and I'd feel confident because I knew word for word what I was going to say so I felt in control of the situation. Where as put me in a social situation with a group of people and I don't handle it well because I don't know what's going to happen! What are other people going to say to me? What will I say back? It causes me alot of anxiety.
|
#100
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Public Speaking for the Socially Anxious
Quote:
|
#101
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Public Speaking for the Socially Anxious
Yes that's very true D1662. I always predict what I think they might say and what I think they might think of me which really doesn't help. I'm hoping CBT will help me with this.
|
#102
|
|||
|
|||
Re: Public Speaking for the Socially Anxious
Nothing fills me with such dread as public speaking - I have avoided being centre of attention all my life - I even turned down being my friends best man due to it. I am quite envious of people who can talk to a bunch of strangers and give speeches and have that confidence but Its just not me, never has been and never will be but I am happy with that. Just dont force people into doing things they dont want to do.
|