Losing Confidence in Front of a Crowd, What Should You Do? | Safe and Sound
Losing confidence in front of a crowd is a common problem that many people face. Whether you are a student, a student, or an office worker, having to speak or present in front of many people can make you stressed and anxious. So why do we lose confidence in front of a crowd? How to overcome it? Let's find out more with psychologist Safe and Sound through the article below.
Phi Thuy Linh | Bachelor of Public Health – Mental Health Care Application Safe and Sound
Institute of Medical Technology Applications
1. Why can't I be confident in front of a crowd?
Fear of being judged is one of the reasons for losing confidence in front of a crowd.
1.1 Fear of being judged
One of the biggest fears about public speaking is the fear of being judged by others. We worry that if we make a mistake, others will laugh at us or look down on us. This anxiety can keep us from focusing on the content we want to present.
1.2. Lack of experience
If you don't have much practice speaking in front of a crowd, facing a lot of eye contact can be intimidating. Lack of experience often leads to lack of confidence.
1.3. Psychological barriers from the past
Previous negative experiences, such as being laughed at for saying the wrong thing, can leave a bad impression and make you fearful or feel tired of similar situations.
2. How to be more confident in front of a crowd?
Overcoming lack of confidence is not easy, but you can apply the methods recommended by psychological experts below.
2.1. Prepare carefully
Thorough preparation is an important step in building confidence in front of a crowd. When you know the content of the presentation and the messages you want to convey, anxiety, fatigue or boredom will be significantly reduced. Preparation helps you control the situation and avoid unnecessary mistakes. To do this, you can practice the presentation content in front of a mirror or record a video to review. At the same time, prepare important notes, use keywords to easily follow the main ideas.
Thorough preparation is an important step in building confidence.
2.2. Practice regularly
According to psychologists, regular practice is an effective way to build confidence. Public speaking is like any other skill: the more you practice, the more confident you will become. Psychologists emphasize that proficiency will help you face your fear more easily. You can start by speaking in front of small groups such as family and friends, then join clubs or public speaking courses to practice your skills.
2.3. Learn to manage stress
Learning how to manage stress is also an important step to overcome the fear of crowds. When the body is tense, the brain will have difficulty focusing on the main task. Managing stress helps you relax and concentrate better. You can apply deep breathing techniques right before speaking in front of a crowd such as inhaling through the nose for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 4 seconds and exhaling through the mouth for 4 seconds. In addition, doing yoga or meditation exercises is also an effective way to calm the mood.
2.4. Focus on the message
Focusing on your message is a smart way to reduce stress when speaking in public. Many people lose confidence because they focus too much on what others think of them instead of what they have to say in front of the audience. Psychologists advise that shifting the focus to the value you bring will help you reduce stress. Think of yourself as sharing an important message that your audience needs to know, and remind yourself that your audience cares more about the content than about your small mistakes.
2.5. Building a confident mindset
Self-confidence is a positive state of mind and attitude in which you believe in your own ability to face situations, challenges, or goals. This state of mind is not only reflected in your thoughts but also in your actions, gestures, and the way you interact with others.
Building a confident mindset can make a big difference in your mindset at that moment. According to psychologists, you can build this mindset by learning to stand up straight, breathe deeply and maintain eye contact with the audience, thereby helping you create a better impression. Avoid crossing your arms or bowing your head, as these postures make you look unconfident. In addition, you can convey your message through body language such as hand gestures, acting, etc. to create a connection with the audience and convey more clearly.
2.6. Facing your fears
Facing your fear instead of avoiding it is the only way to overcome it. Avoidance only increases anxiety. Psychologists say that each time you overcome a challenge, your confidence increases. You can start with small situations like speaking in small group meetings and gradually increase the size and complexity of the situations.
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2.7. Seek support from a psychologist
Seeking help from a psychologist is an option that should not be overlooked if you find it difficult to overcome on your own. If your lack of confidence is due to psychological issues, a psychologist can help you explore the causes and provide appropriate solutions through therapies such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), which is very effective in improving self-confidence.
Losing confidence in front of a crowd is a big obstacle but not impossible to overcome. With careful preparation, regular practice and applying stress management methods, ... you can completely improve your public speaking ability. In particular, if necessary, do not hesitate to seek the support of psychological experts for more specific and effective instructions.
Remember, confidence is a skill that anyone can practice and develop. Are you ready to conquer your fears? Start today and see the change!
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