We've all been there: the dreaded moment when you have to stand up and speak in front of a crowd. Your stomach churns, your palms sweat, and your mind races with thoughts of potential disaster. Speech anxiety is a common experience, stemming from our brain's natural "fight or flight" response to perceived threats. But the good news is that you can learn to manage and overcome this fear.

(If you'd like to watch my video on Overcoming Speech Anxiety Click Here)

Here are six practical tips to help you conquer your speech anxiety:

 1. Acceptance is Key

The first step is acknowledging that speech anxiety is a natural reaction. Everyone experiences it, even seasoned public speakers. Accepting this fact helps you normalise the feeling and reduces shame or self-judgment. Remember, those seemingly confident speakers have likely just learned effective coping mechanisms.