Public Speaking Anxiety Tips: 6 Mindset Tips

Summary

This video offers six mindset tips to significantly reduce public speaking anxiety. It suggests viewing nervousness as a sign of importance, recognizing the excitement within anxiety, and understanding that external nervousness is less visible than internal feelings. The video also advises that the peak of nervousness is short-lived, that anxiety doesn't prevent a great performance, and that the audience is generally supportive. These tips aim to change the way viewers think about public speaking, setting them on a path to confidence.

Takeaways

• 😌 Realize anxiety and nervousness are signs that you're about to do something important, not signs of trouble.
• 🔄 Understand that what you feel as nervousness is often half excitement; they are two sides of the same coin.
• 🤔 Remember that you don't appear as nervous on the outside as you feel on the inside; your audience can't read your mind.
• 🕒 Know that the peak of nervousness is usually short-lived, often less than a minute into your speech.
• 🚀 Accept that feeling anxious does not prevent you from delivering an outstanding presentation.
• 🙌 Assume that most people in your audience are rooting for you and are sympathetic to your situation.
• 💡 Change your mindset first, as it can influence your behavior and vice versa, creating a positive feedback loop.
• 📈 There are two main approaches to overcoming public speaking anxiety: mindset and behavior.
• 📚 The speaker offers additional resources, including a free PDF and online classes, to help improve public speaking skills.
• 🔗 Stay tuned for a follow-up video that will provide six behavioral tips to complement the mindset tips shared in this video.

Q & A

What are the two main approaches to overcoming public speaking anxiety mentioned in the script?

The two main approaches are changing your mindset and changing your behavior or the concrete actions you take.

What is the first mindset tip given to help with public speaking anxiety?

The first mindset tip is to realize that anxiety and nervousness are not signs of trouble but signs that you're about to do something important.

How does the script suggest we should view nervousness before public speaking?

The script suggests viewing nervousness as a mix of anxiety and excitement, and to focus on the excitement as a positive sign of being alive and about to do something special.

What is the difference between how nervous we feel inside and how we appear on the outside during public speaking?

The script explains that we do not look as nervous on the outside as we feel on the inside, and listeners can't tell how we feel; they can only see what we show them.

How long does the peak of nervousness typically last during public speaking?

According to the script, the peak or spike of nervousness lasts less than 60 seconds, usually during the anticipation and the first few moments of speaking.

What is the fifth mindset tip for dealing with public speaking anxiety?

The fifth tip is to accept that anxiety and nervousness are not a barrier to doing an outstanding job, as many successful speakers and athletes still experience nervousness.

What is the final mindset tip provided in the script?

The final tip is to assume that everybody is rooting for you, as most people are sympathetic and want you to succeed.

What resources are offered to help with public speaking and communication skills?

The script mentions a free PDF download with seven instant tips for confident speaking and online classes on public speaking, communication skills, and leadership, with at least one free class available.

How can one access the resources mentioned in the script?

The resources can be accessed through links provided in the description below the video.

What is the relationship between mindset and behavior when it comes to public speaking?

The script suggests that mindset and behavior reinforce each other and can be used as starting points in a feedback loop to reduce anxiety and improve public speaking.

What does the script suggest about the audience's perception of the speaker's nervousness?

The script suggests that the audience usually underestimates the speaker's nervousness, often perceiving them as less anxious than they actually feel.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety with Mindset Tips

The speaker introduces six mindset tips designed to reduce public speaking anxiety by at least 50%. They mention resources like a free PDF with tips for confident speaking and online classes on public speaking and leadership. The speaker explains that anxiety stems from the importance of the task at hand and is a common experience even for professionals like Michael Douglas. The tips focus on changing the way one thinks about public speaking to alter feelings of anxiety. The speaker also discusses the difference between nervousness and excitement, suggesting that what is felt as nervousness is partly excitement. They advise speakers to recognize that they appear less nervous than they feel and that the peak of nervousness is short-lived. The tips are aimed at helping speakers start on a positive feedback loop of confidence.

05:01

🤔 Mindset Over Matter: Continuing the Battle Against Speaking Anxiety

In this continuation, the speaker addresses the misconception that anxiety prevents a successful presentation, using examples of professional athletes and speakers who perform well despite feeling nervous. The speaker encourages the audience to assume that most people are supportive and want them to succeed, countering the fear of negative judgment. They reiterate the six mindset tips for overcoming anxiety, emphasizing the importance of changing one's perspective on public speaking. The speaker invites viewers to share which tip they find most helpful and mentions an upcoming video with behavioral tips to further reduce speaking anxiety. The video concludes with a reminder of the availability of resources and the importance of both mindset and behavioral changes in building confidence.

Keywords

💡Public Speaking

Public speaking refers to the act of addressing an audience in a formal setting, typically with the intent to inform, influence, or entertain. In the context of the video, it is the central theme as the speaker discusses overcoming anxiety associated with it. The script mentions public speaking as a common source of nervousness but also emphasizes that it is a skill that can be improved with the right mindset and behavior changes.

💡Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. The video addresses public speaking anxiety, which is a common issue for many individuals. It is defined as a natural response to the anticipation of an important event, like giving a speech, and the video offers tips on how to manage and reduce this anxiety.

💡Mindset

Mindset refers to a set of attitudes and ideas that shape the way an individual thinks and behaves. The video focuses on changing one's mindset as a strategy to reduce public speaking anxiety. It suggests that altering how one perceives the experience of public speaking can lead to a significant reduction in nervousness.

💡Nerves

Nerves, in the context of the video, refer to the physiological and emotional responses to stress or anxiety, particularly before or during a performance. The speaker reassures viewers that having nerves is a normal part of preparing for something important and is even experienced by professionals like actors.

💡Excitement

Excitement, as discussed in the video, is a positive emotional state of enthusiasm and eagerness. The script suggests that what one might perceive as nervousness is actually half excitement, especially before a challenging but rewarding event like public speaking. It encourages viewers to reframe their thoughts and view the 'butterflies' as a sign of excitement rather than pure anxiety.

💡Behavior

Behavior in the video refers to the actions and reactions of an individual. It is mentioned as the second inroad to overcoming public speaking anxiety, alongside mindset. The speaker indicates that behavior and mindset are interconnected, and changing either can lead to an improvement in public speaking skills.

💡Feedback Loop

A feedback loop, as used in the video, is a process where the results of an action are used to influence the next action. In the context of public speaking, the speaker talks about a feedback loop between mindset and behavior, suggesting that changing one can positively influence the other, creating a cycle of improvement.

💡Confidence

Confidence is a feeling or belief that one can rely on oneself, one's abilities, and have faith in the outcome. The video implies that by changing one's mindset and behavior, a person can increase their confidence in public speaking, which in turn can reduce anxiety.

💡Resources

Resources in the video refer to the supplementary materials and courses offered by the speaker to help viewers improve their public speaking skills. These resources include a free PDF download and online classes, which are meant to provide additional tips and training beyond the advice given in the video.

💡Sympathetic Audience

The term 'sympathetic audience' is used in the video to describe an audience that is understanding and supportive. The speaker suggests that most listeners are sympathetic towards speakers because they have also experienced public speaking anxiety. This concept is used to encourage speakers to assume positive intentions from their audience, which can help alleviate anxiety.

💡Anticipation

Anticipation, as mentioned in the video, is the act of expecting or predicting a future event. It is highlighted as a key factor in public speaking anxiety, as the nervousness often peaks during the waiting period before speaking. The video suggests that once a speaker starts, the anxiety significantly decreases.

Highlights

Six mindset tips to overcome public speaking anxiety by at least 50%.

Free PDF download with seven instant tips for confident speaking.

Online classes available on public speaking, communication skills, and leadership.

Two main approaches to public speaking anxiety: mindset and behavior.

Mindset and behavior reinforce each other in a feedback loop.

Anxiety and nervousness indicate the importance of the task at hand.

Even professionals like Michael Douglas experience public speaking nerves.

Nervousness is half excitement; they are two sides of the same coin.

You appear less nervous outwardly than you feel inwardly.

Peak nervousness lasts less than 60 seconds.

Anxiety is not a barrier to delivering an outstanding presentation.

Assume that the audience is rooting for your success.

听众的同情心：99%的听众都是同情的，他们知道公开演讲的感觉。

Negative facial expressions may just be the person's natural expression.

Changing your mindset is a necessary step to overcoming anxiety.

Question of the day: Which tip would help you make the most immediate progress?

Upcoming follow-up video on behavioral tips to reduce speaking anxiety.

Both mindset and behavioral changes can start a positive feedback loop.

Transcripts

- I'm going to give you six mindset tips

to help you overcome your public speaking

anxiety and nerves by at least 50%.

These tips will help you cut your anxiety in half,

and that's a great start.

(upbeat music)

I'd like to tell you about two resources.

The first is a free PDF download with seven instant tips

for more confident and composed speaking.

I also have a number of online classes

on things like public speaking,

and communication skills and leadership.

And there's always at least one

free class that you can take.

I'll put links to all of those resources

in the description below this video.

There are two main inroads to your public speaking anxiety.

And the first is changing your mindset.

The second is changing your behavior,

or the concrete actions that you take.

You can start at either entry point in this feedback loop

because your mindset and your behavior reinforce each other.

In this video, I'll be giving you six tips

all about mindset or how you think.

If you can change the way you think about public speaking,

you'll change the way you feel.

In a follow-up video, I'll give you six more tips

that are all behavioral based.

That's another way to get at this anxiety.

And when that one's ready, I will post it,

and put a link to it in the description below.

And I'll put a summary of these six tips at the end.

First, realize that anxiety

and nervousness are not signs of trouble.

These are just signs

that you're about to do something important.

We don't get nervous about meaningless activities.

Even professionals get nervous.

I was reading an interview with the world-famous

and veteran actor, Michael Douglas.

And he said,

"I'm always nervous when I have to do public speaking.

And I have now gotten used to my nerves,

and how to deal with it but it's part of the excitement."

So even rich, famous, and normally confident people

get nervous about public speaking.

It's not a sign of trouble,

or that there's something wrong with you.

Second, realize that you're only about

half as nervous as you think.

The other half is called excitement.

They are two sides of the same emotional coin.

I heard a consultant the other day say that she has grown

to like the butterflies in her stomach before she presents.

She said it reminds her that she's challenging herself.

It's the same with acting,

playing guitar or sports in front of a crowd.

A lot of those feelings are excitement.

After people speak and the anxiety is gone,

they still feel excited about what they just did.

So the mindset tip is not to talk to yourself

about how nervous you are.

Instead, talk to yourself about how at least

half of what you're feeling is excitement.

Those butterflies are proof that you're alive,

and about to do something special.

Number three, realize that you do not look on the outside

as nervous as you feel on the inside.

Your listeners can't tell how you feel.

They can only see what you show them.

And I've asked hundreds of speakers right after they speak,

how nervous did you feel on a scale of one to 10?

They usually say eight, nine or ten.

But the listeners routinely say that the speaker

only looked about two or three

out of 10 on that anxiety scale.

So once you realize that you don't come across

nearly as nervous as you feel, that's half the battle.

I saw Sylvester Stallone, Rocky,

talking about giving a big speech.

Before he spoke, he said his heart was pounding.

And he was really nervous.

His adult daughter was with him,

and she looked out at the huge crowd and she said to him,

"Dad, I don't know how you can be so calm.

I'd be freaking out."

But he was nervous.

But he said to her,

"No, no, it's gonna be fine. I've got this."

His own daughter couldn't tell

that he was having that spike of anxiety

right before he spoke.

The takeaway is to play it cool like Rocky.

Other people really can't tell,

and that's one less thing for you to worry about.

And fourth, the peak or spike of nervousness

last less than 60 seconds.

The hardest part is usually the anticipation, the waiting.

A teacher I know, Andrea Newman,

talks about that spike of nervousness

that happens right before we speak

and right up until about 30 seconds into our message.

That's when we feel the most intense anxiety.

That spike of nerves goes down drastically

once we get rolling.

It's just like a professional football quarterback.

Their anxiety is highest right before the big game,

and up through the first few plays,

and then they settle into their game plan.

So the mindset tip is to remind yourself

that you'll feel much better

just moments after you start your presentation.

Number five, accept that anxiety and nervousness

are not a barrier from doing an outstanding job.

Many speakers mistakenly believe that if they're nervous,

then they can't do a good job but it's just not true.

Almost every athlete, for example,

will admit to getting nervous before a big game.

Anxiety doesn't stop them from performing well.

Winning or losing games has nothing to do

with how nervous a team is beforehand.

And the same goes for a public speaking.

Some of the best professional speakers in the world

admit to getting really nervous.

But their nerves don't stop them

from completely crushing it.

So accept that anxiety is not a barrier

to doing a superior presentation.

Number six, assume that everybody is rooting for you.

Virtually everybody wants you to do well.

We drastically overestimate the negative judgment,

or possible embarrassment we could experience.

The truth is, I'd say that 99% of listeners are sympathetic.

They've all done some public speaking.

They know what it's like.

And I say 99% because sometimes

you will see people with an unpleasant facial expression.

But even those people are probably just like that.

That negative face that you see,

maybe that's just they way they are.

That's not about you.

They're probably just having a bad day.

So assume that everybody wants you to succeed,

and they are on your side.

And here again are all six mindset tips.

Your mindset is all about changing

the way you think about public speaking,

and it's usually a necessary step to overcoming anxiety.

So my question of the day for you

is which of these do you believe

would help you make the most immediate progress?

Feel free to post your comment below.

And as mentioned, I have a follow-up video

coming out soon about these six behavioral tips

to reduce speaking anxiety.

I'll put a link to that,

as well as other resources in the description below

as soon as that video is ready.

Both mindset changes and behavioral changes

are starting points.

They will get you on a more positive

and confident feedback loop.

So thanks for watching.

God bless and I will see you in the next video.