Why nervousness is normal during speech?

The Nervous System and Speech

The nervous system is responsible for controlling all of our bodily functions, from breathing to movement to thinking. When we are nervous, our sympathetic nervous system is activated, which causes our heart rate and breathing to increase, our muscles to tense up, and our palms to sweat. These are all normal physical responses to stress that help us prepare to face a challenge.

Why We Feel Nervous When We Speak

There are a number of reasons why we may feel nervous when we have to speak in public. Some of these reasons include:

* Fear of being judged. We all want to be liked and accepted, and the thought of being criticized or rejected can be very anxiety-provoking.

* Lack of confidence. If we don't feel confident in our ability to speak well, we are more likely to be nervous.

* Unfamiliarity with the material. The more familiar we are with the topic we are speaking about, the less nervous we will be.

* Past negative experiences. If we have had negative experiences speaking in public in the past, we may be more likely to feel nervous in the future.

Managing Nervousness

While it is normal to feel nervous when speaking in public, there are a number of things we can do to manage our nervousness and make it easier for us to speak effectively. Some helpful strategies include:

* Practice, practice, practice! The more we practice speaking in front of others, the more comfortable we will become.

* Take deep breaths. Deep breathing can help to slow our heart rate and calm our nerves.

* Visualize yourself succeeding. Imagine yourself giving a great speech and receiving positive feedback from the audience.

* Focus on your message. Remember that you have something important to say and that the audience is there to hear what you have to say.

* Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they speak in public. The important thing is to keep going and not let them get to you.

Conclusion

Nervousness is a normal reaction to speaking in public. However, there are a number of things we can do to manage our nervousness and make it easier for us to speak effectively.