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Original poster

I can't do public speaking!

16 replies

PineappleCrumbleandcream · 26/01/2020 22:36

Hello people
I wonder if anyone can help!
I have recently been promoted & have way more responsibilities setting up a project. This will mean more public speaking and running workshops. Every time I have to speak in a room full of strangers at a meeting for example, I completely crumble.
My voice shakes, my body shakes, I sound like I'm going to cry?!
How the hell will I deliver any workshops if I can barely speak in front of ten strangers in a meeting? Help!

OP posts:

Orangecatfish · 26/01/2020 22:57

Have you looked up Toastmasters? They have groups where people practise giving talks in front of each other. No judgement, helpful advice and friendly people.

mum2jakie · 26/01/2020 23:02

Speak to your GP about social anxiety and ask for propranolol. I take one tablet an hour before public speaking and it completely stops all symptoms of anxiety - pulse racing, voice shaking etc.

IdblowJonSnow · 26/01/2020 23:03

Go on a course.
I know someone who did and its transformed her working life.
Your work might even pay for it?!
It's a very common thing. I have this but have a presentation this week. I've done so much prep that I'm almost looking fwd to it!
Good luck.

Gran22 · 26/01/2020 23:06

Hypnotherapy may help.

7Worfs · 26/01/2020 23:07

I used to be like this, especially when delivering to colleagues.

What has helped me was:
Getting really clued on the subject matter
Partnering with very experienced facilitators - I learned a lot from them
Caring about the subject matter - it really lifts you if you are passionate about it

NancyJoan · 26/01/2020 23:08

Ask for training, it really will help.

Happygirl79 · 26/01/2020 23:10

Good preparation is the key
I don't enjoy public speaking but if I am confident that I know my subject well it makes a huge difference
State at the beginning that question time is at the end of the presentation so you are not put off by interruptions
Good luck

Overseasmom100 · 26/01/2020 23:10

Me too it's held me back in my career. I shake I panic etc..

I think it stems from school...we used to have to read out aloud in the classroom and I used to panic then and used to dip down low so the teacher couldnt see me

BingoLittlesUncle · 27/01/2020 00:54

Get yourself onto a public speaking course. My employers sent me on one and it was the best thing I course I ever did. It was hell at first but at the end I could actually give a presentation (hated it but could do it) and as time went on the anxiety went and now I don't worry at all. Toastmasters do one, I believe and if your employers got a training dept. ask them if they can arrange something - it's what they're paid for after all.

BingoLittlesUncle · 27/01/2020 00:55

thing I course I ever did

MrsFriskers · 27/01/2020 09:07

A coach (a resting actor) helped me, and was paid for by work. You need to get rid of adrenaline, and they gave me some exercises, as well as the speaking techniques.

inwood · 27/01/2020 09:22

Training, practice and experience.

I used to hate it but can no speak in front of several hundred, had to do so at a conference last week.

Your company should pay for training.

domesticslattern · 27/01/2020 09:27

I saw the writer of this book at a MN event. She was really good. Worth a punt while you wait to go on a course?
www.waterstones.com/book/goodbye-glossophobia/esther-stanhope/9781913192228

Durgasarrow · 27/01/2020 13:04

Toastmasters is great. Positive people, a good system, meetings are everywhere, it's very cheap, you just never forget how to do it once you learn how from TM

OllyBJolly · 27/01/2020 13:19

Toastmasters is good but I now find I can usually tell who's been "toastmastered" . They advocate quite a prescriptive style which I never felt was "me" if that makes sense. I found the group lovely and supportive - despite several members being high flyers and world champion speakers (or whatever).

What I found more useful was one to one coaching that helped me structure what I had to say, and also how to speak more effectively. So did a lot of breathing exercises, posture work, diction,

I still get nervous and still get the urge to run out the fire escape (seriously) but I absolutely love that feeling that the audience are engaged. And nothing beats the joy of when it's over!

chachachachachange · 09/09/2021 21:55

@OllyBJolly

What I found more useful was one to one coaching that helped me structure what I had to say, and also how to speak more effectively. So did a lot of breathing exercises, posture work, diction,

I still get nervous and still get the urge to run out the fire escape (seriously) but I absolutely love that feeling that the audience are engaged. And nothing beats the joy of when it's over!

That’s my problem, poor structure, not concise etc. Where do you find this type of coach? Does it have a name?

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