Public speaking without the panic attack

Learn how to overcome panic and deliver a great speech

Writing good content for an important speech you’re about to deliver can often be hard enough. But when this is combined with the fear of having a panic attack before or during a speech it can be an extremely daunting experience. If this is a real fear for you then please read on!

The trick to focusing on delivering a great speech and not suffering a panic attack is learning how to conquer a panic attack before it comes up. This is actually a lot easier than it sounds. In fact once you learn the easy to use techniques to conquering panic attacks you will never have to worry about them impacting your life again.

There is a well-known method, known as the ‘Linden Method’ (developed by Charles Linden) which provides scientific, practical and simple advice that not only guarantees to teach how to stop panic attacks for good, it also stops anxiety, phobias and OCD permanently. Additionally the method is available online which means sufferers don’t have to leave home to be treated.

According to panicattacksuccess.com the method has now been responsible for treating over 136,000 people around the world with panic disorder and anxiety. So for learning how to overcome panic attacks before your next speech this method is highly recommended.

Delivering a great speech

Once you have your panic attacks covered, there are a few several important tips you need to focus on to deliver an outstanding speech.

1. Speaking with Confidence
Make sure to use conviction when speaking so you can persuade your audience. If they do not believe what you are saying they are unlikely to pay attention throughout your speech. Use examples and back these up with evidence for the best chance of convincing your audience. Tip: avoid saying ‘umm’ or ‘arrhh’ as this does not inspire confidence.

2. Body Language
After your content this would be one of the most important components of your speech. Remember to maintain good eye contact (with more than one person), keep your shoulders back, chin up and use hand gestures where appropriate to emphasis your point. Don’t tap your feet, put your hands in your pocket and try not to fiddle with anything. At the very least hands should remain by your side.

3. Visual Aids & Notes
Hand notes should be avoided unless you do not have a computer or projector. Powerpoint slides or a projector can provide an important tool to help get your point across and it is encouraged to use these. Summarising each of your main points on a Powerpoint slide can help your audience (and you!) remember what point it is your trying to get across. It can also help divert the attention away from you when needed or show pictures or video to support your argument.

4. Humour
This can be very helpful to maintain the audience’s attention and allow them to relate to you. Often a small light-hearted joke or comment at the start of the speech can help set the tone for a more comfortable presentation. Remember your goal is to keep the audience interested while you are speaking, humour can help achieve this so you should try to maintain some level of humour throughout the presentation. Tip: Just be careful not to use humour that may offend some people. Also humour should be used in context, that is, it may be best to avoid humour when talking about sensitive topics.

5. Structure
Be sure to structure your speech so it can be easily followed by your audience. This should include;
- Introduction: telling the audience why you are there and what your point is that you are trying to get across
- Body: Using information/evidence to support your point made in the introduction
- Conclusion: Briefly summarising your speech and driving home your point

Tip: Finish your presentation with an interesting statement or fact so your audience is left with a positive impression of you and feel compelled to believe your argument.

Also remember to thank your audience for their attention and finish the speech with some question and answer time.

With these fundamentals and an understanding of how to conquer panic attacks before they start you should be well equipped to present an outstanding speech. Good luck and remember it gets easier with practice!