Public speaking anxiety, or glossophobia, is a common fear that affects about 73% of the population. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that this fear often stems from the fear of going live on social media.
There are a few things you can do to help overcome your fear of going live on social media. First, try to identify the root of your fear. Are you worried about what people will think of you? Do you feel like you won\’t be able to answer questions? Once you identify the root of your fear, you can start working on ways to address it.
Another thing you can do is practice. Record yourself giving a presentation or go live on Facebook with a friend. This will help you see yourself in action and figure out where you need to improve. If you notice certain aspects of your live that appear to be causing anxiety, talk about them with friends or colleagues for support.
If you are feeling too nervous to go live on Facebook, try going live on YouTube instead. You can also go live via Periscope or Meerkat if those platforms are more comfortable for you. Once you go live on one platform, try going live on another when you feel ready.
Avoid focusing all of your attention on the chat window while going live. This is an easy way to make yourself even more nervous than before your go live began! Instead of fixating on the messages, use the time to check up on comments and go through any messages you received before going live on Facebook.
If you are still feeling too nervous to go live, there are some options for go live support. You can go live on Facebook with one of your friends who is also giving a presentation. Even if you only go live on YouTube, the virtual presence of another person will make you feel more confident about going live. Or, if that does not sound like an option for you, try to go live at the same time as another person. This gives your mind less time to build-up anxiety around going live.
So let\’s summarize it
- Identify the root of your fear.
- Practice going live.
- Avoid focusing on the chat window.
- Find go live support.
- Try to go live on different platforms.
- Take care of yourself before you go live! Make sure you are well-rested and have eaten a meal beforehand.
- Don\’t forget to breathe! Taking deep breaths can help calm your nerves before going live.
Remember, people resonate with people, not with robots. The more you become you, the better your lives will be.