Struggling with public speaking only in certain situations.. Any Advice?

5 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
  • |
I posses a great attitude, my speaking skills are up to par and incredibly helpful in selling, convincing, or building great rapport. It's always been one of my best assets. I'm not afraid of expressing my beliefs or concerns in any situation. I make friends easily, open up and smile and express myself. I listen more then I speak, ask questions and overall happy for other peoples success.

However, all this is thrown out the window when I'm speaking with someone who is higher in me in terms of hierarchy, more so in an office environment. Like my managers for instance. It's not that I'm intimidated, but my words lock up on me and I stumble quite often or fidget. When I'm relaxed or tired, I speak so well that I have the room mesmerized.

However, I notice I worry too much, feel guilty and overall worried about what they think of me as I'm speaking to them. I almost believe its a low form of aspergers. I'm all over the place, that I have a hard time focusing on what they're saying or even matching body language.

I have interviews that go better then conversations with my superiors. I'm too anxious and I don't perform well at all.

One of the things I'm trying to improve constantly is my ability to not feel so intimated or worried about what others think of me, especially after I get to know them or work with them.

I was hoping maybe some of you can recommend me some tips, share some advice, books or anything I can learn to help me get over this small bump in social skills.

Keep in mind, with strangers no matter their rank in society it doesn't intimated me, only when I befriend them or work with them, does it interfere. I worry too much, but don't know how to relax and let go and be my True True self.

Cheers,
LivingCali
  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    However, I notice I worry too much, feel guilty and overall worried about what they think of me as I'm speaking to them.
    I think you are intimidated though you may not realize it. It may be totally unconscious but you are worried about impressing, about being or seeming to be "less than". It's not a disease - it's in YOUR mind and you can solve it. It's anxiety.

    It might help to think back and remember if there was someone in a position of authority or power that did intimidate you in the past or whether there were things you were taught growing up that put you "in your place".

    It helps if you can focus on the managers, etc as "people" rather than hierarchy or "in power" when you think of them. Also helps if you get to know them a bit as people if you can - even in small ways.

    Good luck.
    Signature
    Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
    ***
    Dear April: I don't want any trouble from you.
    January was long, February was iffy, March was a freaking dumpster fire.
    So sit down, be quiet, and don't touch anything.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8546879].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author LivingCali758
      Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

      I think you are intimidated though you may not realize it. It may be totally unconscious but you are worried about impressing, about being or seeming to be "less than". It's not a disease - it's in YOUR mind and you can solve it. It's anxiety.

      It might help to think back and remember if there was someone in a position of authority or power that did intimidate you in the past or whether there were things you were taught growing up that put you "in your place".

      It helps if you can focus on the managers, etc as "people" rather than hierarchy or "in power" when you think of them. Also helps if you get to know them a bit as people if you can - even in small ways.

      Good luck.
      I know, you're right. Sometimes it seems to work well when I don't over analyze the whole thing, sometimes I just can't help myself. Thanks for sharing, Anxiety sucks.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8548657].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    “You must show no mercy…nor have any belief whatsoever in how others judge you…for your greatness will silence them all” - Ultimate Warrior

    You should read this:

    http://www.ultimatewarrior.com/blog/?m=201101
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8546953].message }}

Trending Topics