How to Identify Speech Anxiety Symptoms
Public speaking is difficult for many people. While some try to avoid it at all costs, others don't have that option. If you can't get over your fear, the next best thing is to recognize your speech anxiety symptoms and try to overcome them. Use the following steps to help you identify your speech anxiety symptoms.
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Instructions
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Listen to your voice. If your voice is shaky, cracking, uneven, or low in volume, you are showing signs of speech anxiety.
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Check your fluency. Are you keeping a good pace when you speak?
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Notice if you do anything with your throat. Do you clear your throat a lot? Does your throat get dry or scratchy?
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Recognize any erratic breathing. This is common in all situations that deal with fear and nervousness. It can be distracting to the audience while you're speaking.
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Notice your facial expressions. Your eyes can be moving in an unusual manner or not at all. Your nervousness can show on your face. Some people scrunch their face.
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Notice any abnormal activity in your arms and hands. Shaking or sweaty hands are common. Also, some people hold their arms stiffly so that they don't move.
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Check your body movement. Are you swaying, pacing, leaning, or moving in an odd manner?
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Check how you feel. You could have butterflies in your stomach or even feel hot. You'll start to sweat, literally.
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Tips & Warnings
Videotape yourself during a speech and evaluate your behavior.
