I had to do a keynote speech in front of 160 heads and other school staff.
Well firstly I had already been reading "In the Spotlight: Overcome Your
Fear of Public Speaking and Performing" by Janet Esposito. I found it
really helpful. The problem was I still kept getting panic attacks and a
terrible sense of dread every time I though of doing the speech and this had
been going on for several months. I knew I had to do something more because
as it was there was no way I would be able to deliver my speech with out
having a breakdown! It didn't help that a few months before I had tried to
give a speech for a much smaller group (20) and I fainted. Luckily it was
passed off as if I was coming down with something so I went a long with
that!! I am telling you all this because I wanted you to get a feel for how
hard I found public speaking. The strange thing is when I am training a
large group (I do this all the time) I am comfortable and happy. I just
couldn't do the whole standing still in one place and delivering a speech. I
just felt very self conscious and I was afraid people might get up and walk
out or say something horrible or that I would forget what I wanted to say.
When I got this CD I kept an open mind as I really needed help. The first
thing that I loved was Rachael Eccles voice. It is so clear and soft that it was easy to listen to and accept. I found everything she suggest was easy to follow
and I did not really have to think or try hard to just let go. I listened to
the CD twice a day (morning and bed time) every day for seven days (not much
time I know) and each time I did this I found after I was able to think
about my speech with out so much panic. In fact as the days went by I
honestly felt clam about my speech for the first time in months. I was able
to go about my day with out stopping and panicking thinking of ways to get
out off doing the speech.
On the day of the speech I was amazed at how confident and calm I felt. I
actually felt excited about delivering it! As I sat in the front row waiting
to be introduced I just felt as though I was in control. It was almost as if
I had a friend with me that was telling me everything was fine. As I got up to
speak I just felt as though this was the most normal thing to do and after
the first minute or two I told my first anecdotal story, the odd little joke
and generally gained a good rapour with the audience. I was speaking for 75
mins but it went so fast I was almost sorry it was over. I got a big round
of applause and latter I was told that last year's speaker was a disaster and
quite boaring. I also received a card from the sponsor saying thank you for
such an enjoyable and inspiring talk! I would highly recommend this CD.Self Hypnosis Public Speaking Anxiety Hypnotherapy CD
Self Hypnosis Public Speaking Anxiety Hypnotherapy CD