Public Speaking Tips
If you have SAD and need to give a speech in elementary school, high school, college, or university, it helps to be as prepared as possible. Beyond preparation, however, there are strategies that you can use to reduce anxiety and fight the urge to stay home with a fake illness.
Practice
Even great speakers practice their speeches beforehand. Practice out loud with a recording device or video camera and then watch yourself to see how you can improve. If you are feeling brave, practice in front of a friend or family member and ask for feedback.
Prepare
Being prepared to speak in public can also be important if you have social anxiety disorder. Feeling confident and prepared to give your speech may help lessen your feelings of anxiety. Some of the things that you can do to prepare include:
Manage Your Anxiety
Taking steps to deal with your feelings of anxiety can also make public speaking easier. Some of the things that you can do: Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts
Maintain Perspective
Remember that other students are on your side. Think about a time when you have been an audience member and the student delivering the speech or presentation was noticeably nervous. Did you think less of that student? More likely, you felt sympathetic and wanted to make that person more comfortable by smiling or nodding.
Be Confident
Sometimes just knowing what makes a good speech can help you feel more confident. Focus on some of the following elements and practice them before you have to speak in public.
A Word From Verywell
It’s natural to feel frightened the first time you have to speak in front of your class. However, if you fear continues, interferes with your daily life and keeps you awake at night, it may be helpful to see someone about your anxiety. If you make a mistake because your hands or shaking, or something similar, try to make light of the situation by saying something like, “I wasn’t this nervous when I woke up this morning!” This can help to break the tension of the moment. Try talking to a parent, teacher, or counselor about how you have been feeling. If that doesn’t get you anywhere, ask to make an appointment with your doctor. Severe public speaking anxiety is a true disorder that can improve with treatment.
