Preface
How to Use this Book
Chapter 1: Speech Anxiety
Chapter 2: Anxiety Management and Memory
Chapter 3: Behaviors to Avoid
Chapter 4: Putting It Together
Appendix A: Chart of Anxiety Management Techniques
Appendix B: Anxiety Management for Non-native Speakers
Glossary
Bibliography
About the Author
Preface:
If you’ve ever felt nervous, doubtful, or insecure about giving presentations or speeches, this pocket book is for you. It provides you with easy-to-use techniques for managing presentation anxiety, whether your audience is composed of coworkers, prospective clients, fellow students, or family and friends.
This book was born out of frustration. For decades, psychologists, biologists, and communication researchers have documented and detailed strategies and techniques for addressing speaking anxiety. However, much of this work remains locked away in academic journals. Further, techniques that do escape to a wider audience via public speaking or business communication textbooks are often insufficient. These tests present what I refer to as the “PB & J” approach to speaking anxiety management: “Practice, Breath, and Just do it.” Although these suggestions have some validity, speaking anxiety involves a complicated mix of physiological and psychological factors. Simplistic “PB & J” advice is not likely to help. Worse, it could even increase anxiety if the suggestions are attempted without immediately successful results.
I hope to remedy this lack of actionable information by providing at least 25 tried and tested anxiety management techniques that you can easily use. Most of the techniques detailed here are based on academic research and have been shown to be effective. As you read this book, you will be able to stockpile several techniques that will help you feel more confident about your presentations. Your end goal: speaking up without freaking out!