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Public Speaking

Anxiety

Symptoms

and Techniques

to Overcome it

Your Coachee gets stage fright or anxious when presenting in front of an audience. It can be actual (in person) or potential (for example in front of a camera).

Acting

No great presentation is delivered off the cuff and every good presentation could be improved by better preparation. Preparation involves understanding the audience needs; brainstorming the topic from that perspective; clarifying a single message and structuring the supportive discussion. This preparation is fundamental to success.

Help your​ Coachee prepare and practice, as close as possible to real by trying to recreate in practice the atmosphere of the real performance as far as possible. Practice, practice, practice. You can record him/her to help visualise.

GoMasterCoach app, including Tools and Programs

If you want to dig into Self-Confidence Issues

The Power Pose

Adopting the body posture of someone who is confident and powerful can generate feelings of confidence and power. Help your Coachee visualise his/her success, always focusing on your Coachee's strength and ability to handle challenging situations.

GoMasterCoach app, including Tools and Programs

The Box Technique

The Box breathing, also known as square breathing, is a technique used when taking slow, deep breaths. It is a very effective powerful stress reliever and can heighten performance and concentration. It’s also called four-square breathing.

Tell your Coachee to: "Close your eyes. Breathe in deeply by the nose for 4 seconds, hold it for 4 seconds, breathe out by the mouth for 4 seconds, hold it." [Repeat].

boxbreathing.png

GoMasterCoach app, including Tools and Programs

Common Symptoms

Before presenting:

  • Anxiety before presenting

  • Negativity thoughts and low self-confidence before presenting

  • Racing pulse

  • Rapid, shallow and uncontrollable breathing

  • Unclear thinking

  • Impaired sense of time

  • Dry mouth and tight throat

  • Trembling hands, knees, lips and voice

  • Muscle tension

  • Sweaty and cold hands

  • Nausea and uneasy feeling in the stomach

  • Loss of balance

  • Vision changes

3 Techniques

to Help Overcome Performance Anxiety

Sources:

  • The Impostor Syndrome: Becoming an Authentic Leader, by Harold Hillman, Chris Abernathy, et al

  • The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction: A Guide to Coping with the Grief, Stress and Anger that Trigger Addictive Behaviors (A New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook), by Rebecca E. Williams PhD and Julie S. Kraft MA

  • Coach's Casebook, by Kim Morgan

  • Compassion for All Creatures, by Janice Gray Kolb

  • Perfectionism: A Practical Guide to Managing "Never Good Enough", by Lisa Van Gemert

  • The Fulfillment of All Desire, by Ralph Martin

  • Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment, by Tal Ben-Shahar

  • The Disease To Please: Curing the People-Pleasing Syndrome, by Harriet B. Braiker

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