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Fear Of Talking In Public

Feelings

Fear Of Talking In Public

<div class="ExternalClassC8ED1C6A09E54311A77F9CB894E21BEF"><p>​<span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4" style="">I suffer from anxiety. I have a fear of talking in public (especially talking on the phone). People keep telling me that I need to advocate for myself, speak up more, look at someone when they're talking to you, stop being so quiet, and come out of your comfort zone. But for me, that's not very easy. I did read some sources (including yours) about anxiety, but it didn't seem helpful. </span><br></p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass359ABDA5A5DC42E1BC6A28752A6A4B47"><p> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">You are right, it is not easy for most people to speak in public.  While most people have some fear of speaking in public, not everyone feels the same level of fear.  This is individualized to each person.  In your case, it sounds like it has become very burdensome.<br></span></p><p> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">It's great that you are trying to take charge of your fear by doing some reading.  This is a great first step!  The more you understand why you are struggling and how others have handled the same type of fear, the better.  Next, you need to find a way to implement what you have learned.  What does this mean?  Practice.  Practice.  And then Practice some more.  We wish that we could offer you a magic wand or a comfortable way around this but the truth is the only way to get over the fear of public speaking is to go through the act of speaking in public.  <br></span></p><p> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">Prepare things you would like to say and then practice it in front of a mirror, to your dog, and to your friends and family.  The more you are prepared the smoother things will go.  As you learn to participate in a conversation with your friends and family, you will gradually become more at ease with having conversations with people that you don't know as well.<br></span></p><p> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">One way to boost your conversation skills is to work on your self esteem.  Sometimes we have a lot of anxiety because we have a low opinion of ourselves or feel that we don't have anything to contribute.  We know this is true for many people.  We have some great tips and tools to help you build up your self image.  Take a look: <a href="/Pages/self-esteem.aspx">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/v2/Pages/self-esteem.aspx</a><strong> </strong></span></p><p> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">If you feel that this is more than just a fear of speaking in public, talk to a trusted adult about this.  Tell them your concerns and see if they have noticed the same type of things.  Sometimes anxiety can be more than just a feeling and needs to be addressed by a professional therapist.<br></span></p><p> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">We will be here for you anytime you would like to talk.<br></span></p><p> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">LO, Counselor</span><br></p></div>

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