Public Speaking Fear: Fight or Flight?

I have to give a presentation to my company’s business partners next month. I am petrified of speaking in front of people! Somebody help me!

If the above is you, then you probably suffer from glossophobia – the fear of public speaking. The fear of speaking in public can manifest itself as the avoidance of situations involving making presentations, especially when involving figures of authority, such as supervisors, managers, business partners, and shareholders.
So now thoughts are running in your head: You question what if there are others out there who are better speakers? You ask what if they know more about the topic in question? You feel alone and vulnerable. You become self-consciousness about your accent, grammar, and voice and image generally. You worry that you will forget what you wanted to say, and will stumble over your words, or will say the "wrong" thing.

 If the idea of public speaking leaves you cringing in fear, you might want to consider visiting a hypnotherapist.
Speaking in public is a common source of stress for most people. In fact, when most people list what are their major fears in life, public speaking ranks pretty close to the top for everyone. While some executives have chosen to hide from their problem, often using someone else to front them, the reality is that you can’t hide forever. This problem is not exclusive to the business world only. In fact, it affects almost everyone, even famous people. Actress Kirsten Stewart of Twilight, for example, was quoted in US Weekly as saying: “I hope that I don’t run off at the mouth and say something stupid.” So you are not alone.

The reason hypnosis is effective is because it goes to the root of the problem instead of just treating the symptoms. For most people, the fear of public speaking is rooted in one’s subconscious mind. As a result, you'll experience fear manifesting itself: Wild imaginations coupled with stomach pains, sweaty palms and other physical symptoms. Your subconscious mind is telling you to stop stressing you up! 

The causes of this fear are plenty. There could have been a traumatic event in your early life, which may or may not be directly linked to speaking in public. The 'under-socialisation' of a child, whereby the child doesn't build up confidence in his or her own ability. This can often be caused by an overprotective parent. You have low self esteem; you feel that what you have to say isn't important. The expectation of failure, sometimes due to being overly criticised in early life.

Apart from learning the art of relaxation during hypnotherapy, sessions with hypnosis teaches you to use visualisation techniques to overcome this fear by using the power of your imagination. You rehearse or practice a speech or presentation in your mind and by doing so you will have already experienced the feeling of delivering a great performance. You mind has been pre-programmed for success.
With your feelings of confidence and control restored, public speaking can be approached with a new level of calmness and assurance.

Sandy Hui
Hypnotist
ONE Hypnosis
www.onehypnosis.com.sg