Confidence at work and public speaking

[Magpiesalute]

I had a nightmare meeting last week where I had to do a short presentation in front of 25 strangers/colleagues in my sector. I know I’m having trouble with confidence recently, so I did everything I could to prep, including online hypnotherapy etc. I hoped I’d be ok, but I wasn’t.

Stumbling over words, voice shaking, feeling shaky myself, it was awful. My boss took over in the end.

I’m gutted about this and think it must be partly down to perimenopause. Public speaking was never my favourite but I managed. I am taking HRT now but it hasn’t helped with this.

I apologised to my boss afterwards and said I’d been struggling with public speaking recently, but he just said ‘Don’t worry’ and changed the subject.

This issue will come up again and I’m not sure what to do!! Argh.

Has anyone experienced the same or has any advice?

Is this a type of 'brain fog'?
If so maybe upping your estrogen dose may help.

Or find a voice/ performance/ public speaking coach who can work with you.

This one is easy. Go to the GP and if you can take it, get some propranalol. You take a tablet half an hour before public speaking and it keeps your heart rate steady, which in turn keeps you calm. It is an absolute lifesaver.

Don't feel discouraged. There is a silver bullet.

Thank you both. I’ll definitely look into the propranolol. Although not sure it would help with my shakey voice etc. Wish I could just opt out of public speaking altogether.

Definitely Propranolol. You can also buy this online. I’ve used 40mg but also can buy 10mg tablets which seem to work if o take two, Absolutely works for shaky voice/hands and all those symptoms. Works everytime and once you realise that it gives you confidence to know your body won’t go into fight/flight mode.