Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills in today's professional world. Whether you're presenting to a boardroom, speaking on a panel, or delivering a virtual talk, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently can open doors to new opportunities. Yet, for many, the mere thought of standing in front of an audience induces anxiety.
For those who live with anxiety, are neurodivergent, or feel the weight of societal expectations, 'masking' can feel like a shield. It's the act of blending in, suppressing the parts of oneself that feel too 'different' or 'much' in order to fit a mould. Masking can be a survival tool, a way to navigate environments where we fear rejection or misunderstanding. It can give us temporary relief: "If I just act like everyone else, I'll feel safe." And, our nervous system spends a lot of time looking for signals in our environment that tell us it is safe. Masking can also be exhausting, alienating, and denying our most authentic selves. Over time, it chips away at authenticity, leaving us wondering: Who am I beneath the mask?
One of the key reasons I was drawn to becoming a therapist is my fascination with the concept of the flow state. I have always been fascinated by how it manifests in the arts and have had the privilege of supporting clients who either access this state effortlessly or face considerable obstacles in doing so. My latest article explores this state - a mental zone where focus, creativity, and productivity come together naturally.
It can be easy to take things personally when public speaking. This post explores the importance of detaching from these influences and offers concrete strategies for maintaining a balanced approach.
Feeling scared is natural, but we can manage nerves, anxiety and fear by empowering ourselves with a few mindful practices.
Have you tried Hypnotherapy for Fear of Public Speaking? There’s nothing worse than feeling anxious prior to public speaking, especially if it’s part of your job. The sweaty palms and knot in your stomach won’t abate as your anxiety levels rise. At some point in life, you’re likely to be asked to speak in [...]
What is Public Speaking Hypnotherapy and how could it benefit you? It is perfectly normal to feel nervous before a presentation or when addressing an audience. But I have also seen many clients with stage fright so debilitating that they are unable to perform at all - or to the best of their ability. Whether [...]
How Hypnotherapy Can Ease Your Exam Worries There many reasons why people feel pressure during exams. Firstly, there's the mental strain caused by hours of revision. Added to this, many people often experience high levels of anxiety - they may feel that they are failing to put in the same amount of hours of revision [...]
Can Hypnosis Help you Sleep? Many of us suffer from sleep issues, including insomnia, that can have a negative impact on our emotional and physical health. It can be difficult to concentrate, our self-esteem may plummet, blood pressure is raised and we are more at risk of stroke and heart disease. Sleep is vital for [...]
Public speaking is a daunting prospect that many of us will have to face at some point in our lives. Anxiety around speaking in public is a completely natural response to high-pressure situations, and the stress hormone adrenaline can help to improve your performance. However, if this anxiety becomes overwhelming it can have debilitating [...]
