anxiety at public speaking

Hi all, I have spoken publicly quite a few times and have had a brief anxiety lasting a few min before the presentation and a few minutes in and then I am fine. However; lately every time i present I can't stop shaking and my heart feels like it's going to explode and I can't settle. I've been so embarrassed lately and I have a presentation coming up and I'm terrified it's going to happen again. This is only lately and I'm almost 40. Anyone know what's happening to me?

[hypercat54]

Do you still manage to deliver your presentation ok? If so I wouldn't worry about it. You would never catch me doing any kind of presentation as in common with most people whether anxious or not I would be far too scared. I think you are very brave! x

[Hopeful-Tinkerbell]

I think anxiety is normal. I think if you rely on your proofs that you have done this before and nothing bad has happened you can find some reassurance. You did get anxiety but you made it through to tell about it. I’m not sure if you would be able to possibly take a mild anxiety Med to take the edge off on those rare occasions. I have one I take to help me with difficult situations. As long as you have tried it first and it does not impair your thinking or cause bad drowsiness which I know some can. Low dose Valium/diazepam or Ararat helps me a lot. As long as the dose is low but just enough to take the edge off without affecting me negatively.

[Windy101]

I can so relate. I overcame this in my 40s after decades of crippling fear. My knees used to literallly wobble, my hands and even head would shake, and my heart beat so fast I thought people could hear it if I had a microphone. My voice shook! It was terrible and I was so humiliated.

What worked for me was finally telling myself that I didn't care if I looked anxious - I wanted to teach so badly, or I felt I had something to say to a community group that was so important, I was not going to let being nervous stop me. I just accepted it and if someone judged me, so be it. Gradually it went away.

Today, I love speaking most of the time because I finally get to share my take on information. I have fun with it. You will, too, I know it!

Hang in there and don't let your fears stop you. If someone's such a jerk that they think less of you for being nervous, that's their problem for being shallow and ignorant. They should be listening to your message and content, which is more important!

Good luck. If I can do this, you can too. Really. I was so nervous I did everything but wet my pants.