Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety Support Group

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no easy means of escape. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia may avoid public and/or unfamiliar places. In severe cases, the sufferer may become confined to their home, experiencing difficulty traveling from this "safe place."

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Public Speaking

wildflowers44
wildflowers44
I get very anxious when I have to speak in front of a group, whether formally or informally. I am trying to get better at this, and think maybe I have improved some over the years, but the fear of being judged (on my appearance, the way I talk, what I say, the way I move...everything) scares me. I am a senior in college (just started a couple weeks ago after being out a semester and a half) and I have to give a presentation in one of my classes in a few days. I am so scared. I have been so busy with other assignments/so tired just because I am not used to being in school and I have not prepared my presentation yet, and it is in a few days. I am scared that whatever I say will sound stupid. I worry so much what my professor (especially) and classmates think of me, and I just keep envisioning how badly it is going to go. And it is being videotaped, which adds a whole other layer of anxiety for me.

I apologize I am venting here. I was wondering if anyone can relate to this or if anyone has found some things to help them with anxiety when speaking in front of a group. I would love to hear any experiences or tips you'd be willing to share. Thank you for reading this.
enigmaticloner
enigmaticloner
You're not alone there, this group I'm sure is full of people who suffer with the same problems. I surely know I do, I worry a whole lot about what people think about the way I look and speak. It bothers me so much that it prevents me from doing things that I would like to at times. I sometimes find myself wondering if people can tell how anxious I am and what they think about it. It bothered me a lot back when I was in school especially, having to speak publicly and in groups and what not was quite difficult for me. I've never been the most outgoing person and apparently people think I'm weird because of that, but it just is what it is. Not everyone is meant to be the same.
wildflowers44
wildflowers44
Thank you for responding to my post, Enigmaticloner. I am sorry you also worry about what other people think of you. I am sure you are a wonderful person...I can tell just by your reply to me that you are incredibly compassionate and understanding. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you again.
blg2011motherof2
blg2011motherof2
I once publically spoke to about 200 people. My knees were shaking and my voice was trembling, but I read the paper into the microphone. After wards, I felt accomplished because I had done something that causes great fear with in me.
I better get used to public speaking since I am going to be a Domestic Violence advocate and spread domestic violence awareness to groups of people all over my state.
wildflowers44
wildflowers44
Thank you for sharing that, Brittany. Wow, 200 people! I couldn't even imagine how much courage that took. And you're so right, that when we do something we are afraid to do, we can feel proud and accomplished afterwards. Thank you for reminding me of that.

I think that's truly wonderful that you have found something you're passionate about (being a domestic violence advocate) and aren't going to let your fears of public speaking stop you. You go, girl!!!