Anxiety and Speech

[love138]

I have to take a speech class and I get really nervous when giving speeches or presentations. I wanted to know if there is  something that will help me to relax and calm my nerves while giving my speeches.

[love138]

thanks for the tips :) I will try it out

[omhome]

hi love:  if i am remembering correctly (always a ? these days)......a thing called state- dependent- learning could be useful here.  You will want to take whatever herb etc. for each practice session---you want to create the same conditions for practice as will be present during the speech---even time of day if possible---and do some relaxation exercises so you create a calmness to your body and mind.   Pair the calmness with the practice of delivering the speech.  Imagine being done after a successful delivery. And each practice.
Right now you imagine anxiety---pairing it with the speech---so counter that with strong imagination of calm confidence. Practice practice practice.
good luck
omhome

[love138]

ok thanks.. actually my leg feels stiff at times and it also tingles..i had an anxiety attack a few years back and I think it is related to that. I went to the doctor and he told me I just had anxiety but everything was fine but I think my leg has something to do with it..b/c sometimes my leg would jerk but its mostly stiff and tingles and my nerves are always all over. Never had this problem until I had an anxiety attack a few years ago. Im going to the doctor soon but in the meantime im trying to see if an herb will help with this

[Paxiled]

Stiffness wouldn't be a nerve problem, if I understand you correctly.  A nerve problem would feel more tingly and radiate.  Stiffness could be tendonitis, could be something else.  Not everything is anxiety.  Skullcap is a nerve relaxant.  So is magnesium.  Complicated, isn't it?  See if you can find a book called Prescription for Nutritional Healing and Prescription for Herbal Healing -- a good primer by condition to understand how formulas come to be.  A naturopath is someone educated in herbal medicine, though others are as well, including physicians who practice integrated medicine, ayurvedic physicians (India's herbal medicine), practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and certified herbalists.  If you have a good local health food store (not Whole Foods) they might have a list of local practitioners, and if you contact Bastyr Institute in Seattle they can tell you if one of their graduates practices in your area.

[love138]

Hi, I actually just order some ashwagandha because ive been having a stiffness in my leg which I think is related to stress and nerves..i have been having this for over a year...my nerves are all over the place in my leg and knee which causes my leg to be stiff. Would this also help with my leg and anxiety for public speaking? I don't have access to a naturopath that I know of.

Thanks for all the information you have provided so far :)

[Paxiled]

Only trying it will tell -- natural medicine is individual medicine, not the one size fits all you're used to.  Kava is stronger, but passionflower is known for relaxing the whole system.  Usually you would also be given something to regulate your adrenals, as cortisol production is what makes us feel anxious.  These herbs are called adaptogens, and include ashwagandha, holy basil, eleuthero, and others.  Do you have access to a naturopath?

[love138]

I don't want to use medication beta blockers..i just want to use something naturally...so would passionflower help?

[Paxiled]

If you want to investigate medication, it's completely up to you.  Public speaking anxiety is said to respond well to beta blockers, so if that's your one problem -- and it is said to be the most common phobia of all -- you might investigate them.  Good luck.

[love138]

Ok thanks..i know its best to overcome this naturally but honestly I don't think that I can right now..sad but true..

[Paxiled]

Kava or passionflower might be better for this, though best is if you can learn to overcome the fear without anything.  Problem with natural medicine is, it's so individual, so you can only tell what will work (and do so without making you tired) by experimentation.

[love138]

thanks for the tips :) Ive also been watching Larry Crowne...that movie sort of helps me to not stress over speech class

Is there something I can take to calm my nerves before presenting? I was thinking Nerve Tonic.

[BluCrystal]

Sure.  Make sure your notes are handy, in order, and legible.  Before you go speak, stand in front of a mirror and give the speech to yourself.  Do this as often as necessary until you are confident and happy with it.  Do not talk fast.  Speak clearly, and slow enough that your audience can digest what youare saying, and so that you do not stumble over your words.  If apropriate (sp?), insert something funny once or twice in your speech.  This will relax you and keep your audience interested.  Another idea is to record your speech when you practice it, then listen to it and make notes of any changes that need to be adressed.  And know inside yourself that for one thing, it's just a speech, not your life.  Beleive in yourself, and know that if you do happen to 'mess up', it's not the end of the world.  Blessings - Blu