Posted by orchid on April 13, 2006, at 14:52:13
In reply to How Do You Deal With Feeling Stupid?, posted by Veracity on April 13, 2006, at 13:31:22
I have sometimes felt uncomfortable and my voice shaky when I speak to large groups like meetings. But it doesn't get very bad. Usually I am able to calm myself and go on without any trouble.
There are some things I can think of (and which I have read here and there) which might help. I don't know if these are authorised methods, but maybe you can try.
1. If the group or the person you are speaking to is more personal and not official, maybe you can start off by saying that you tend to get a little nervous. Saying it usually lessens the impact. Maybe you should practice it with your therapist and your close friends or family first.
2. Also, talking in front of a mirror might help too. You can perhaps try to talk in front of a mirror by yourself before speaking in an official group or meeting.
3. Thinking about what you want to talk ahead of time might make the nervousness go away. Rehearse in your mind what you are going to speak, and it might make it less nervous. When I inititally had to speak in English long while ago (even to friends), I would rehearse what I am going to talk many times before to myself. That way, the nervousness went away.
4. Talk more. The only way to counteract any phobia is to face it again and again and making the outcome better each time. So start talking, blabbering even, to friends, colleagues, or whoever. IT doesn't have to be long speech, but start by small talks and chit chats every chance you get.
5. Even writing here in babble might help to overcome the shyness. You can start by writing more, in the protection of anonymity, and it might help you.
Take Care
Orchid
poster:orchid
thread:632671
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060406/msgs/632695.html