NEVER Feel Anxiety Again When Giving A Speech (5 EASY Methods)

Summary

In this engaging video, the speaker candidly shares a personal story of a nerve-wracking speaking engagement that went awry due to unmanaged nerves. The narrative pivots to offer practical advice on overcoming stage fright, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's body through techniques like box breathing and managing the mind by adopting a service-oriented mindset. Additional tips include tactical pauses, slowing down speech, engaging in brief exercise to reduce adrenaline, and understanding personal triggers to gradually desensitize fear. The speaker's relatable anecdotes and actionable strategies aim to empower viewers to conquer nervousness in high-stakes situations.

Takeaways

• 😅 The speaker recalls a nerve-wracking speaking engagement early in their career where they sweated excessively due to anxiety.
• 👔 Wearing black clothing was a strategy to hide sweat stains, indicating the physical impact of nerves on the speaker's body.
• 🤝 A CEO's loose handshake and questioning the speaker's experience highlighted the speaker's inner turmoil and lack of confidence.
• 🧘 Controlling the body through techniques like box breathing can help manage nerves by reducing physical trembles that affect the voice.
• 🤯 The speaker emphasizes that the voice trembles due to body tension, suggesting that relaxation techniques are essential for public speaking.
• 💡 Adopting a mindset of service, focusing on the audience rather than oneself, can alleviate self-consciousness and nervousness.
• 📢 Pausing, taking deep breaths, and slowing down speech rate are tactical methods to manage nerves in the moment and prevent a spiral of escalating anxiety.
• 🏃 Engaging in brisk exercise before a speaking event can help dissipate excess adrenaline, thus reducing the physical symptoms of nervousness.
• 🔍 Understanding personal triggers for nervousness is the first step towards managing them effectively.
• 🍽 Desensitizing fear through incremental exposure, like making toasts in casual settings, can build confidence for more significant public speaking engagements.

Q & A

What was the speaker's biggest professional fail?

The speaker's biggest professional fail was a speaking gig for a Building Association in New South Wales, Sydney, where they were extremely nervous and sweating profusely.

Why did the speaker wear black clothes for their first speaking gig?

The speaker wore black clothes to hide the sweat stains caused by their nervousness during the presentation.

How did the CEO's reaction affect the speaker after their first speech?

The CEO's nervous look and loose handshake made the speaker feel even more nervous and sweaty, indicating that their performance might not have been well-received.

What is the first technique the speaker suggests to manage nerves?

The first technique is to control your body through box breathing, which involves inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding again for four counts each.

How does controlling the mind help in managing nerves during high-stakes situations?

Controlling the mind involves adopting a mindset of service, focusing on the audience rather than oneself, which reduces self-consciousness and nervousness.

What tactical move can one use to manage nerves in the moment?

One can pause, take a deep breath, and significantly slow down their rate of speech to calm down and manage nerves in the moment.

Why does the speaker recommend doing some brisk exercise before a speech?

Brisk exercise helps to get rid of excess adrenaline, which is released in fight or flight situations and can cause the body to shake.

What is the purpose of understanding and desensitizing your triggers according to the speaker?

Understanding and desensitizing triggers helps to manage the fear associated with them, such as public speaking, by gradually exposing oneself to similar but less intimidating situations.

How does the speaker suggest practicing public speaking in a casual setting?

The speaker suggests making toasts at dinner with friends or standing during a Zoom call to practice presenting in a more casual and less intimidating environment.

What is the 'spiral of doom' mentioned by the speaker?

The 'spiral of doom' refers to the cycle of speaking faster due to nervousness, which in turn makes the speaker feel more nervous, leading to an escalating cycle of increased nervousness and speech speed.

What is the final bonus tip the speaker gives for managing nerves?

The final bonus tip is to understand what triggers your nervousness and then desensitize it by gradually exposing yourself to similar situations in a controlled and less intimidating manner.