Public speaking anxiety may also be referred to as public speaking fear, public speaking phobia, performance nerves, performance anxiety or stage fright. The fear of public speaking is one of the most common fears.
The effects of the fight or flight response are what you experience whenever you feel anxiety or fear. It is our minds way of preparing us physically so that we can respond quickly and effectively in dangerous situations. The idea being that we have the energy and reactions to either run away from, or fight the threat. The perceived threat that triggers the response can be physical or psychological in nature (e.g. potential physical harm, looking foolish, making a scene, not being liked or accepted, appearing weak etc.). The fight or flight response actually functions remarkably well, however problems arise when it is triggered in situations in which we can’t simply fight our way out of, or run away from. Such as meetings, presentations, performances or speeches.
When the fight or flight response is triggered, hormones such as adrenaline are released into your body to prepare you for fighting or escaping. You will increase your oxygen levels by breathing more rapidly. There will be an increase in your heart rate to pump blood faster to the lungs, muscles and brain. Your muscles tense ready for action and your awareness is heightened.
Common symptoms of a fear of public speaking /performance anxiety may include: excessive perspiration, tingling, tightening of the throat, breathing difficulties, light-headed, frequent need to urinate, muscle tension, trembling, stuttering, catastrophic thinking, fear of ‘being found out’, indigestion, pins and needles, fear of losing control, fear of making a fool of oneself, fear of a heart attack, churning stomach, muscle pain, sense of inferiority, inadequacy, weakness or shame.
All performance anxieties first starts within our thoughts. If we think a threat exists within a situation, our brain stimulates the release of the various stress related hormones.
The part of your mind that deals with anxiety doesn’t really tell the difference between reality and imagination. So thinking about a future situation in a negative way, by worrying or ‘what-if’-ing will actually activate the fight or flight system, in much the same way as if you were there in reality.
If you have experienced anxiety then you will most likely have tried to control it using will-power alone, and probably failed in the process. Due to the way anxiety works, it is very hard to fight head on. Usually the more you attempt to control and fight it, the worse it will actually get! An obvious solution is not to try to control the symptoms, but to flow with them where possible and focus on and change what’s actually causing them.
Anxiety starts with a perception of danger. Therefore the most obvious place to focus when looking for a solution is with the thoughts that create the negative perception. Change the thoughts so that the situation is no longer perceived as dangerous and the anxiety will never be triggered. Any skilled psychotherapist should be able to help, and it is actually a much easier process than many people realise.
Common situations which often provoke public speaking and performance anxiety can include: Wedding Speeches, Presentations, Meetings, Interviews, Exams, Acting Auditions and Performances, Musical Performances, Speaking on the telephone (particularly when in front of others), Being put on the spot, Being centre of attention.
Nigel Magowan is a psychotherapist who works with fear of public speaking, anxiety disorders, IBS and phobias. Treatment for Interview Anxiety in London, Harley Street Interview Anxiety treatment in Manchester
A small cartoon I made for my psychology class.
This video covers the basic signs and symptoms of S.A.D…as well as some treatment options. I personally do not know anyone who suffers from this disorder, but i know that, like all other disorders, it can be a crippling experience. Please seek help if the described signs apply to you, or to someone you know. If you have any questions then please go ahead and ask, i will do my best to answer them. The song in the intro is “Overburdened” by Disturbed, from the Ten Thousand Fists album. Thanks for watching, and enjoy!