Public Speaking and Panic Attacks

Some people are so afraid of public speaking that they would prefer to die then speak in front of a large crowd. Public speaking is especially difficult for those who have panic and anxiety disorders. The reason is because they fear being unable to complete the speech because of potentially having a panic attack during the speech. The fear of embarrassment is enough to result in intense fear and anxiety over doing a speech. In severe cases people will fear public speaking with a small group of people. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a large crowd of people.

The reality is that fear is the real mind killer. The fear and anxiety is what fuels the symptoms of a panic attack and makes a person perform poorly. The first important thing to realize is that fear of public speaking is a common problem with everyone. Most average, healthy individuals can handle high amounts of stress and still perform well under pressure. Some need more practice then others at it, but generally do well under pressure. It’s a perfectly natural thing to be afraid of speaking in public, however when you combine that fear with the fear of having a panic attack while doing a speech it becomes overbearing.

The key is realizing that you don’t have to fear having a panic attack during a public speech. Once you realize how to control your emotions during a panic attack there is no reason to fear one ever again. Some of the ways you can control your fear is by developing coping techniques or by learning how to divert your mind away from the fear.

I’ve always been envious of people that seem to be so comfortable speaking in front of large crowds of people. They seem to do it with great professionalism and carefree like attitude. One of the biggest reasons for this is they have learned to not focus on themselves, but rather on other people or on what they need to say. When you focus on yourself you become subconscious with causes high levels of anxiety which can in turn trigger panic attacks. Also it’s important to realize that practice makes perfect. Fear and anxiety can be controlled with practice and sheer determination.