Studies have shown that a large segment of the population suffer from public speaking or speech anxiety, however, most do not know that this particular condition can manifest itself in several forms.

After working hard for a couple of decades, the top psychotherapists all across the globe came to the conclusion that the types of speech anxiety can be categorized into causes and contexts. To know more, please check out the rest of the discussion right now.

Causes

  • Audience

Many individuals admitted feeling anxious because of the size and type of the audience. Although larger audiences appear scarier, giving speech to a smaller crowd is more awkward since you can see everyone’s expression. If you incorporate humor, the larger audience will laugh more since they will feed off one another.

The type of the audience can also determine public speaking anxiety. If you are to appear in a room full of serious looking people, you may not feel comfortable opening your speech with a joke. In such a case, make sure to not concentrate on their faces but on how well you prepared.

  • Novelty

If you are new to public speaking, you are bound to feel nervous. This is why practice is so essential. Make sure to rehearse your speech in front of the mirror and in front of your family and friends as many times as possible. Also, do not memorize. Remember the key points and improvise accordingly.

 

  • Formality

The significance of the speech can also trigger anxiety. If you are giving a presentation that can escalate your company’s profits, you might feel a sort of mental pressure. You would not be that nervous if the event is informal.

Contexts

The people who have chronic speech anxiety feel nervous both during and before the speeches. But, there are some who get anxious in either of the two contexts.

There are plenty ways to manage public speaking anxiety. For instance, if you feel nervous while giving the speech, you must take deep breaths and frequent pauses. Focus on the audience. Majority of them would be smiling or have a friendly demeanor at least. Avoid looking at someone who is frowning.

If you are nervous before giving the speech, make sure to prepare well. Also, show up at the venue an hour before the stipulated time. You would want to accumulate your thoughts, right? Listening to pumped up jams has proven to help individuals enter the appropriate frame of mind.

Bottom Line

Do not obsess too much. Try seeing the bigger picture. What is the worst that can occur if you stammer or forget some of your lines? Nothing! You will move on in life just like your audience.

If anxiety is hampering your social life and creating obstructions in your road to prosperity, please seek assistance. CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy can help. It detects and eliminates the deep-seated aspects and allows you to adopt a positive approach.