A collection of questions and sharing by our readership community about a wide variety of aspects of social anxiety. Dive in and receive practical insights and advice.
QUESTION BY:
Anonymous
Toastmaster as an Outlet to Dealing With Speaking Anxiety
I have been involved in Toastmasters for about 3 months, in hopes of getting myself more comfortable speaking in front of a group. I have taken the extra step to volunteer for roles in which I am terrified to do. In doing so, I continue to feel mass amounts of anxiety, quivering jaw, perfuse sweating, shaking hands etc. I feel no more comfortable than when I first began in the group. What can I do?
Jonathan Responds:
When I refer patients to Toastmasters (which I do frequently), the objective is to use the group to learn to make “friends” with their adrenaline. Giving a “good” speech is by far secondary to this therapeutic objective.
