SuprAffs: Stage Fright
I LIKE it when I renew my commitment daily to eliminating stage fright from my life.
I LIKE it when I spend a lot of time and effort preparing for speeches. (Plenty of practice is the key to a good presentation.)
I LIKE it when I video tape my practice speeches and review them frequently in private.
Sometimes when practicing my speaking in private, I LIKE trying to speak as loud as possible. (It changes "muscle memory" and instills confidence).
I LIKE it when I use mood elevating routines to create excitement before speaking. (A study (1) has shown increasing excitement helps us become more persuasive and calm before speaking in public).
I LIKE it when I can use a lot of animation and exaggerated gestures when practicing speaking in private. (It helps me be more expressive when actually speaking in public).
I LIKE trying to speak in a low voice, while staying as calm as possible at certain times when practicing my speaking. (It helps reduce the tension in my voice and reduces voice "cracking").
I LIKE practicing my speaking, while looking into a mirror while smiling and then looking at pictures of smiling faces I've put together. (It changes my fearful "conditioned" responses" associated with stage fright or shyness and reduces tension).
While practicing a speech I like it when I look at images of people in secure, loving relationships with each other.
I LIKE to occasionally focus on "staying calm" while speaking. (Lots of pauses and deep breaths while speaking reduces fear and stress).
I LIKE it when I routinely search for and then participate in organizations that promote the development of public speaking skills.
I LIKE getting feedback from people by asking them to review my practice videos.
Before giving a talk I like to ask the audience questions. (It gives me an idea of how to modify the talk to be more helpful to them).
After giving a speech I like to ask for feedback from the audience. (It gives me ideas on how to give a better talk next time).
Today's SuprAff on Stage Fright: I LIKE it when I practice my speeches right before making a presentation.
I LIKE reminding myself right before speaking that if just one person benefits from my speech, it will be well worth experiencing some fear.
(1) Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.
Online: December 23, 2013