Don't think I can handle it

[howifeel]

I have a speaking engagement, where I am the speaker. I havent done one for four years due to my panic. I decided to try one, and I am having a complete breakdown. I don't think I can handle it, and there is no way out. Any suggestions on how to manage it. I'm open.

[wildflower22]

I know how you feel I hate speaking infront of others. And it seems like with anxiety it goes from simple stage fright to just having a huge melt down. I think that you should make a goal for yourself and achieve it start off with little things and work your up. Have faith in yourself and go out there say what you have to say and just get it over with. Stay calm stay cool I know it a thousand times easier said than done. But just remember the people you are speaking in front of are no different than you they are just people who probably have worse problems than you :) be strong stand tall and I wish you lots of luck!

[jane134]

When you go to do your speech and start feeling anxious, remember its pretty common for anyone to be nervous/apprehensive about speaking in public. Accept that you are anxious. What not to do is start the 'what if'ing'....try to distract yourself by reading and perfecting your speech before you even get a chance to start this! Try to keep your body relaxed... when we are tense, it makes the all the weird sensations we have a lot worse! Try and slump your tensed shoulders (if you're anything like me, that's where you get the most tension!)

I am sure you will be fine..and best of luck to you! 

[howifeel]

Thank you very much. The what ifs.. are the killer for me. I also think that other people are normal and I am somehow a freak for feeling this way.

[jane134]

That is not uncommon, howifeel. I've often looked at other people going about their day to day lives without a care in the world and wished i could be like that. Practice stopping the 'what ifs' with some kind of distraction and i'm sure things will be a lot easier. They certainly are for me!

[epiphone15]

Is there anyway you can add a powerpoint/slideshow to your speech? Ive found that it really helps me, as it takes away the attention from myself. To know that people are mostly watching the slideshow, instead of you, greatly reduces my anxiety.

If you can't, its really no big deal. I've had a couple BAD meltdowns in front of people. And you know what? I don't think about those instances much anymore. It's not so horrible, and you're really your own worst critic. Just practice your speech and youll be fine. I'm rooting for you!

[howifeel]

Thanks again. I do have a rather interesting Powerpoint that I worked on pretty heavily. Thanks for the encouragement. It is tomorrow morning at 9am.

[howifeel]

The presentation went really well! That feeling that I will lose control and panic wasted emotional energy for over a month. I was panicked up until I went up to talk. I haven't done presentations for about 4 years (I used to do them to large crowds all the time, until this anxiety took me out). I think I am getting back in the saddle. That intense fear that it will all fall apart is a complete emotional lie. Thanks for the support as I confronted it. So glad I stuck it out. I bailed on several opportunities until now.

[pauly j]

Good job!  Fear of public speaking is probably the most common fear, and the greatest fear, even greater than the fear of death itself!

You did it, and that's AWESOME!

pauly j

[howifeel]

Thanks Pauly!

[Sarii83]

HUGE accomplishment. Congratulations. I am envious of you! What a feat!