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PrintExercise: Responding to Public Speaking with Calmness, not Fear
Find a quiet place where you can ensure that you won’t be disturbed
for ten to fifteen minutes. Close your eyes and direct your focus
of attention to your hands, imagining what they feel like when they
relax.
As the relaxation spreads, allow your mind to drift to a time where
you felt really comfortable. Maybe a time such as lying in the bath
or listening to music, or an evening with friends when you had a
good time and were laughing and having fun.
Begin to get a feel for the reality of this time. Notice the colours,
shapes and sounds even smells and tastes associated with this time.
Notice what it’s like to bring back something of the feeling of
that time and let those feelings begin to build up almost as if
you are back there.
Once you have that feeling, imagine watching television and seeing
your self on the screen, taking your time, looking cool and relaxed
giving that presentation. Notice what it is about ‘the you on the
screen' that lets you know you are relaxed and comfortable.
Then drift into that screen and experience what it actually feels
like to be speaking in that way with similar feelings to those you
had in the first memory. Spend some comfortable time doing this
almost as if in a dream. When you have enjoyed this for a few minutes
open your eyes feeling refreshed and alert.
Read this over a few times to make sure you have it clear in your
mind. Repeat this exercise regularly and notice the differences.
Some people find this type of exercise easier than others. If this
is difficult for you, consider getting the Self Confidence Trainer,
which contains hypnotic inductions for rehearsing events such as
public speaking.
Next, Public Speaking Mistakes
