Online "Guided Relaxation" Exercise

Instructions: For many students, one of the most difficult parts of preparing for a presentation is learning how to cope effectively with speech anxiety. Although it's perfectly normal to experience some pre-speech jitters, most people would vastly prefer knowing how to handle stressful situations before they get to the drenched-in-sweat phase.

Guided imagery is a powerful way to help you get a handle on all of life's stressful events, including giving speeches. Even if you don't suffer from performance anxiety, you can experience a number of benefits from practicing some form of stress reduction in your daily life. Visit http://my.webmd.com/content/pages/5/3077_1157 and try one of their five guided meditations. You will need either Real Player or Windows Media Player to see and hear them. You can download either player for free at the site.

How did it feel to "let go" for a few minutes and deeply relax? Which meditation did you choose? Can you see how you could take some of the principles from this experience and apply them to relaxing before a presentation?

In summary: Guided imagery is just one of many coping strategies you can use to deal with speech anxiety. You can also practice your speech, develop a proper perspective, use positive coping statements, visualize a successful outcome, and even use systematic de-sensitization. Additionally, adopt a noncompetitive attitude. Understand that doing your best is not about being better than someone else. Use the relaxation tools that are available to you, and practice them just as you would your speech. Before you know it, you'll be able to tap into a reservoir of calm whenever life tosses something stressful your way.