The scenic fear - public speaking

Running a business or being the chief representative of a company involves a number of responsibilities, such as interacting with others and public speaking. Leaders are frequently called upon for interviews, conferences and meetings. In addition, they must constantly communicate with their employees to guide them and correct behaviors. For some, this is not a problem, as they have a good command of oral expression and are not afraid of being in front of an audience.

However, for those who suffer from stage fright, the idea of speaking in front of others can be very intimidating. This type of fear is quite common, especially among those who are not used to being the center of attention. Entrepreneurs who suffer from stage fright can see it as a major obstacle to the development of their business, since the ability to communicate is crucial to achieving business success.

In this guide, we will explore some fundamental concepts about stage fright so that you can understand its basic characteristics and what strategies to apply to mitigate its effects.

What is stage fright?

Stage fright, also known as stage fright, is a psychological state that significantly affects our ability to communicate. It is usually triggered by the anticipation of imaginary situations that are not grounded in reality, which leads to recreating negative experiences. This fear generates increased levels of stress and anxiety, inhibiting our ability to interact.

Physiologically, symptoms such as excessive sweating, stomach discomfort, headaches and shortness of breath may be experienced. On a psychological level, stage fright can lead to confusion, memory problems and difficulty speaking fluently. These factors create a state of mind that is unfavorable for public speaking.

Preparation as a method to prevent stage fright

One of the most effective strategies to combat the effects of stage fright is to prepare for the situations you face. This preparation can include gradual exposure to public settings.

Beginning to interact in environments that are not too threatening will help us develop the skills necessary to handle more complex situations with greater emotional intelligence.

Lack of experience and development of public communication skills are common sources of stage fright, therefore, progressive exposure can be an effective remedy.

Emotional self-control as a method to prevent stage fright

Emotional self-control involves adopting a mental attitude aligned with reality, evaluating situations for what they really represent and avoiding creating imaginary scenarios that affect our peace of mind. By practicing emotional self-control, we focus on living in the present, eliminating worries about what we cannot control.

It is important to note that stage fright, like any other type of fear, arises from the most irrational part of our brain. This means that it has no basis in real facts, and just as our mind generates it, it can also learn to control it.