Most people attack their public speaking woes by addressing the physical nature and feeling after the event happens and they’re affected. My approach is always attacking it psychologically first and then physically. We often defeat ourselves before and after the speaking event happens. Closing the psychological gap will exponentially improve your ability to speak because you’re addressing the system that triggers the fear rather than would itself. While this is simple, it’s it not always easy and takes time and courage: Step 1: Dig deep into your emotional response: What happens when you’re told you have to speak? What are you feeling when you come to the realization that it’s happening and you can’t get out of it? What are your first thoughts? Why do you feel that way? What happened in your past that created this level of thinking towards your ability to speak publicly? (Could be as simple as you were watching a show, saw someone get ridiculed, and have been afraid ever since) Step 2: Light Exposure Therapy You need to revisit the scene of the crime. To address the issue, we must replicate the situation in small controlled environments. Friends and family as a small group where you can practice, see what happens, document how you feel. Get feedback from your audience: how you look, sound, what they understand/remember about your presentation. SRA is building a program to help more people. Will share more at a later time but in the meantime I hope this helps you and you apply it.

This will be difficult for some but if you can do this one thing in a regimented manner, you will increase your ability to communicate your message exponentially in a shorter amount of time. That thing is… Exposure therapy! Small increments of practical action. Talking in front of friends or family is a great start. Placing yourself at the scene of the crime is how you discover what really happened! You have to really dig in psychologically: - What are you thinking when it’s time to speak? - What’s on your mind before you speak? - What are you afraid will happen? - Anything you’re trying to avoid? Understanding your mental process will unpack the correct solution. That’s why exposure therapy works so well. It replicates the action to uncover the problem. If you’d be interested in a free 1 Week Training where we practice exposure therapy in a safe, judgement free, virtual space, comment “speak” below 👇🏾

**Diamond Method**: Ist Base: Start with your main point first (the MOST IMPORTANT). 2nd Base: Supporting Info (1-2 sentences max) 3rd Base: Give an applicable example Home: Back to your MOST important point. Try your best to keep each to 1 sentence and see how you sound! This method allows you to be in control, not over-explain, and get your points off in a way that commands the audience! *Remember, speaking is easy. It's our brains that make it hard.* To book a 1 on 1 session: https://scheduler.zoom.us/jon-mcleod/strategy-session

It's a powerful question that will lead to a life-changing answer. I have dealt with this before and the thing I hold onto is "what will I learn?" The mental framework of failure requires a commitment to the belief that you won't get that chance again. I believe this to be false. As long as we draw breath there's a chance to try again. It may not always be the same circumstances but the ability remains. When you view it as an opportunity to learn something new, the possibilities are almost endless. You don't truly learn in winning. You learn what you did THIS time worked. Failing teaches you so much more. l've fallen in love with failure because of this. It's tough sometimes, but regret is worse than not trying. I’m building a step by step self-help system for professionals with mild to moderate public speaking anxiety who want to calm their body, clear their mind, and speak clearly in their next important speaking moment. If this is you or you know someone who could use practical help, comment and stay tuned! Hope this helps!

Get free coaching and support! Happening now!