Does public speaking make you feel shy and give you cold sweats too? Well, to understand this reaction, let’s start at the beginning by answering the following question: why do we find it so difficult to communicate with a large group of people when we’re used to interacting with others every day? As you know, the brain is the most complex organ in the human body and has not yet been fully explored, so many of its mechanisms remain unknown.
When we prepare to speak in public, the brain activates the amygdala, which is responsible for emotional responses, triggering the activation of the autonomic nervous system. This causes an increase in heart rate, breathing and sweating. At the same time, the The prefrontal cortex is activated to plan speech, but anxiety can make it difficult to think clearly of thoughts. Meanwhile, the anterior cingulate cortex, which is linked to attention and error detection, may also be activated, increasing anxiety about making mistakes.
In short: this interplay of brain activity, together with the release of stress hormones, contributes to the state of nervousness and anxiety experienced when speaking in public, triggering physiological and emotional responses that make us feel so nervous.
Discover the four psychological factors – which are 100 per cent avoidable – that make us feel nervous when speaking in public
Amygdala: this part of the brain, which is associated with emotions and fear responses, is activated when a situation is perceived as threatening. The amygdala triggers the «fight-or-flight» response, causing nervousness and anxiety.
Prefrontal cortex: the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and decision-making, such as planning what to say, is activated. However, when anxiety levels are high, it can make it difficult to think clearly and logically.
Autonomic nervous system: the autonomic nervous system is activated, leading to an increase in heart rate, breathing and sweating. This physiological response is part of the body’s preparation to cope with a stressful situation.
Anterior cingulate cortex: this area of the brain, which is associated with attention and error detection, may become activated, increasing anxiety about making mistakes or being judged negatively by the public.
10 Tips for Public Speaking: How to Stay Calm and Keep Your Voice from Cracking
Now that you know that all the nerves you feel just at the thought of speaking in front of a group of people are down to your neural connections and automatic cognitive patterns, we’re going to give you ten tips that you can actually control to help you deliver your speech successfully. Take note!
Preparation and practice: Prepare your speech or presentation in advance and practise several times in front of the mirror, or with friends or family, to build your confidence and speak more fluently.
Get to know your audience: Find out about your audience so you can tailor your message to their interests and needs, which will help you feel more connected to them.
Breathing and relaxation: Before speaking, practise deep-breathing techniques to relax your body and reduce anxiety.
Get off to a safe start: Start your presentation with a strong introduction that gives you confidence and captures the audience’s attention.
Eye contact: make eye contact with different people in the audience to build a closer connection and convey confidence.
Speak naturally: Avoid reading your speech in a monotonous tone. Speak naturally and use gestures and facial expressions to emphasise key points.
Keep your nerves under control: If you’re feeling nervous, don’t hide it. Admit that you’re nervous; this can take some of the pressure off both you and the audience.
Set the pace: Speak at a suitable pace, taking care not to speak too quickly. Short pauses can help you stay in control and emphasise certain points.
Experience the power of a smile: Smile and show enthusiasm. A positive attitude can rub off on the audience and ease the tension.
Accepts errors: If you make a mistake, don’t stop or apologise excessively. Carry on with confidence, correcting yourself if necessary, and keep going.
We hope we’ve helped you to overcome your barriers and express yourself freely and fluently. If you’d like to learn more about this and many other areas related to professional development, communication and business, We look forward to seeing you at Educa.Pro!
