Week 2 Question 2

Although it will be difficult for many of us, there are many strategies for managing anxiety. Before even starting a speech you need to visualize what you are planning to do. Imagine step-by-step what you need to do so that when you go to do it, you have a clear plan in mind. You need to control your feelings and maintain composure before you can ever give a speech comfortably. There are three different breathing relaxation techniques that you can use. The first is diaphragmatic breathing which is exactly as is sounds-breathing deeply and evenly with your diaphragm. The second is meditation breathing. You are concentrating on your breathing. Start by doing the diaphragmatic breathing and while doing so focus on every aspect of your breathing, thinking only about what you are doing. Lastly is the tension-release breathing exercises. In this one, you use the same diaphragmatic breathing as for the first two but this time find the tense muscles in your body and relax them one at a time while breathing. Make sure that before you go to present a speech that you have dressed for the occasion, that you are well-prepared and you perform your breathing exercises. During a speech if you start to shake or your voice cracks tell yourself that it isn't nerves. It's actually excitement. This puts you in a more positive frame of mind. Focus on your audience not on your shortcomings. When you're done, listen to your peers, realize that you're not the only person with anxiety and they try to learn from your performance. It will get better next time!