Reesa Woolf PhD Reesa Woolf PhD

8 Calming Tips for Introvert’s Public Speaking Fear

8 Calming Techniques for Introvert’s Fear of Public Speaking

1. Try - Inhale 4 sec, hold 7 sec, exhale 8 sec. Why? Your body tells your brain, “I’m calm.” This shifts your body away from fight or flight.

 2. Visualize Success - Picture speaking confidently to smiling people who appreciate your ideas. Why? Your brain can’t always tell the difference between thinking & reality so…it experiences that as a possible outcome.

 3. Your Goal is to deliver your information well.  Why? You have no control over what any listener does with your information. Judge yourself by how well you did.

 4. Make an Outline Before each Meeting - Create a simple outline with key points and transitions.  Why?  Introverts thrive with this safety net.

 5. Practice as if it is the Real Talk - Rehearse aloud. Glance at notes for each next point.  Why?  EVERYONE improves their public speaking on the 3rd or 4th rehearsal. You will appear more confident as you begin the real talk.

 6. Use Accurate Self-talk - Repeat what is true: “I’m here to serve, not to give a TED Talk.”  Why?  Accurate self-talk tames your habitual inner critic.

 

7. Connect - Have a conversation with the audience instead of “giving a speech.”  Why?  It’s OK to act as if they appreciate you.  This reframes the experience into something relational, which is more natural for introverts.

 8. Use Silence Strategically - Practice intentional pauses between thoughts.  Why?  Silence adds power to your message.

 PUBLIC SPEAKING FEAR is AVOIDABLE!

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