Speech anxiety is a common complaint of many. However, many people feel more than just a feeling of ?butterflies? in their stomach, they feel actual physical pain. This causes people to actually avoid all situations in which they have to speak in front of a group of people, even just a small gathering.

Speech anxiety can cause a person to suffer from both physical and psychological symptoms. They find that their:

1. Minds begin to race

2. Mouths become parched

3. Heart rate quickens

4. Body begins to tremble or shake profusely

5. Body and hands sweat profusely

6. Head becomes dizzy or develops a feeling of lightheadedness

7. Hair stands on end

8. Skin feels cold

9. Blood vessels near the skin contract causing them to look pale

Understanding the Fight or Flight Response

You may have heard of this response in regard to prey animals, but people feel it as well. Speech anxiety symptoms manifest themselves differently depending on the amount of fear that a person feels. These symptoms are actually an underlying response that goes back to our caveman ancestors who used it to survive in the wild. Unfortunately, the human body still relies on it and has not adapted to the more modern fears. Today, we are less likely to be chased by a mountain lion and more likely to have to stand on stage in front of groups of people, but the body still reacts like it is being chased by a mountain lion.

Physically, several reactions take place in the body that lead to the symptoms felt in speech anxiety. The liver actually releases sugar to help provide the body energy and a clotting agent is released to reduce blood loss should the person be physically injured. This can cause the dizziness, trembling and shaking. The pupils also dilate and our digestive tract suspends activity, which in turn causes the dry mouth.

How to Overcome Speech Anxiety

The fear of public speaking is actually so strong in some individuals that simply preparing their speech and presentation materials causes them to break into the symptoms of anxiety. These individuals have the inclination to simply avoid anything that causes this discomfort and will put aside preparing their presentation to avoid these feelings of discomfort. However, this is the absolute worst thing you can do when trying to overcome your fear of public speaking.

In order to minimize your symptoms, it's vital that you fight through them and prepare for your speech or presentation regardless. Practice makes perfect and you'll most likely need to do a lot of practice to help your body lessen its fight or flight response. Here are a few tips that will help you practice and prepare for your speech at the same time:

1. Use visual aids such as PowerPoint, objects, posters, charts, etc. These help you to remember each part of your speech or presentation and if they are well-prepared and professional looking, you will be able to decrease your anxiety. Sloppy visual aids only increase your speech anxiety.

2. Set realistic goals. Many people can't completely eliminate speech anxiety, but realistic goals will help to reduce or manage it.

3. Plan movement for while you're on stage. Movement will help you to breathe, thus reduce anxiety. Plan and practice your movements so that they will take place at logical times during your presentation.

4. Don't sabotage yourself by thinking negative thoughts.

5. Know your speech and focus on your message.

6. Know your topic and remember that you are the expert.

7. Don't begin until you are ready. It's okay to take a minute to look over your notes, say the first sentence to yourself, take a deep breath and then address your audience.

8. Speak to people you know in the audience. If you won't know anyone, bring a friend to be your friendly face in the audience. It's easier to talk to the people you know rather than strangers. If you can't bring a friend, look for someone who just looks friendly.

9. Avoid eating milk, chocolate or anything that might cause your stomach to feel queasy. Avoid caffeine as well.

10. Finally, don't try to memorize anything. Practice the concepts you'll be speaking about, not the words.

Following these tips can help you to find your own unique style in giving a presentation or speech and will also help you to reduce the feeling of pain or anxiety that typically feel. Start with small groups, such as a group of family and friends, and work your way up to larger groups. The more practice you get in, the more your body will be able to adapt to reduce the flight or fight response that causes pain and dejection. This can quickly lead you into a more confident frame of mind where you can comfortably deliver your topics in a positive and captivating way.