How can I control my Social Anxiety Without Medicine?

[shaneris5]

Practice in front of a mirror, declaiming in a fairly loud voice, "for those at the back, and the slightly deaf" and when proficient, repeat it in front of family. Try to start with humor, and, if you can't manage a punchy ending; end with humor. Focus your eyes just above the people in the last row. Arrange well beforehand to be first, or second. Others are bound to be much worse, and by the end, you will have been forgotten.

Consider taking some cooled chamomile tea (no milk, or cream; possibly a little honey & lemon) in an unbreakable container, and drink an hour beforehand. It will relax you somewhat. Check out the tips on the first page, in section 9, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris and also: PUBLIC SPEAKING. ADDRESSING A LARGE AUDIENCE. &
IDEAS ON SPEECHES. SOME IDEAS ON SPEECHES. Also see the COMPREHENSIVE POST. Visualise yourself, as vividly as possible, making a very good speech; you smile, turn, and leave. Do this after lights out, and again, just prior to speaking. Some websites: PUBLIC SPEAKING: http://www.voicebusiness.com.au/

If you are one of the 40% of people who are fairly suggestible, consider professional hypnotherapy, or: http://www.hypnosisdownloads/ Public Speaking Confidence
Public Speaking Confidence Hypnosis Download or:
http://www.asktheinternettherapist.com/h... Public Speaking
CD - MP3

Consider joining "Toastmasters". Google: " toastmasters; (your city); (your state)"
MORE TIPS: "First, and most importantly, know what you're going to speak about!! If it means having to memorize your speech, then do it. But, the best speeches simply follow an outline, and the speaker knows the topic so well that they can use the outline, and improvise as they go.

Second, don't drink caffeine before your speech. This will make you anxious and agitated, and you're likely to flake out and forget your stuff.

Third, if possible, drink a glass of water with a little lemon juice in it. This is a trick many people use at dinner engagements where they must speak. The lemon-water will help clear your throat and allow you to speak clearly. It actually works well!

Fourth, if eye-contact is a problem, just look at the top of peoples' heads! nobody can tell what you're looking at if you're facing a crowd!

Fifth, if you're using notecards, number them on the top corner. That way, if you drop them, or accidentally shuffle them funny, you can reorganize.

Sixth, take a deep breath right before you begin your speech. it helps. (Do this at home, when practicing, as well; it will psychologically cue you "put you in the zone").

Seventh, know that everyone else in your class has to speak, too, and nobody is going to judge you any worse than they want to be judged!

Most of all, just be prepared, and if you ever lose your place. Stop. Find it. And continue. NEVER APOLOGIZE!!!