Is using a podium an effective strategy to combat public speaking anxiety?
Many public speaking anxiety (stage fright) sufferers disagree on one key topic: does the podium help or hurt? Many public speakers feel public speaking anxiety as soon as they step up to a podium, with or without an audience present. Often times, the podium elicits memories of other public speaking engagements that did not go smoothly. Other speakers find comfort in the shadow of the podium.
What should you do?
The podium was the first invention in the fight against to address public speaking anxiety (stage fright). It provides a physical barrier between the speaker and the looming audience. In addition, it is a great tool for placing notes, water or props that may be utilized during the presentation.
If the podium reduces your public speaking anxiety use it! But make sure you do not get frozen behind it. Ultimately, the podium forces you to maintain your posture and position relative to your audience.
A podium can be very confining. It forces you to stand in one spot. Many pubic anxiety speakers find moving and even controlled walking as a great way to release anxiety during their presentation.
The question of using a podium may not be entirely up to you: some venues offer a podium that may be difficult to move. On the other hand, many venues lack a conventional podium. Ultimately, the question of whether the podium helps prevent public speaking anxiety (stage fright) is up to each presenter; make sure you know how it affects your anxiety before you’re forced to make a decision. Check in advance if you can to best prepare, as familiarity with your venue, along with speech preparation and an appropriate combination of natural supplements can help you reduce public speaking anxiety.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration
