Communication anxiety affects us all to some extent.
It's normal to get nervous before making a big speech, and it's also normal to occasionally get anxious before communicating with new people.
However, for some of us, chronic anxiety is a major problem in everyday communication.
This article addresses a few techniques to deal with this issue.
The "I'm Excited" Technique Anxiety escalates when we feel out of control or pressured.
You may feel that your audience is the one pressure you.
The single most effective method to relax your nerves before you speak is to tell them, "I'm excited".
As silly as it sounds, you'll get a few chuckles, and it will break the ice very well.
Your heart rate will drop immediately.
The "Centre Yourself" Technique This is basically just mediation and breathing exercises.
By closing your eyes and focusing on breathing slowly and deeply, you will address the physical symptoms of communication anxiety.
By relaxing your body, your mind will also have a chance to relax.
The "Ride It Out" Technique This is all about understanding and knowing that the anxiety is only temporary, and merely a natural reaction to pressure.
Let your anxiety rise to whatever levels it must in the minutes leading up to when you must communicate.
Your heart rate will rise, and your breathing will speed up.
However, just before you start communicating, take a deep, slow breath and release.
You'll find that as over the next few seconds your heart rate will slow down, and the anxiety will subside.
This is your body's natural way of dealing with stress.