Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety with ADHD 🫣🎤
Public speaking can be terrifying—about 3 in 4 people experience a fear of it! 😨💬 This is tough, considering how often we need to communicate—whether it’s a corporate meeting 🏢, presenting to a crowd 🎭, or just calling the doctor 📞!
As someone with ADHD, I know firsthand how it affects social interactions 🤝 and thought organization 🧠, making public speaking even harder. But after speaking in front of crowds from 1 to 10,000 people, I’ve discovered effective strategies to beat disorganization and stay focused on my message. ✅🎯
✍️ Start with an Outline 📝💡
Who are you speaking to? 🎯 What do they need to hear? 👂
Creating a structured outline sets you up for success ✅ and helps organize your thoughts before you speak. ADHD brains can jumble ideas, especially under stress 😵💫, so an outline helps keep your speech structured and on track. 🚂📢
📌 Pro Tip: Commit keywords to memory to reinforce key points! 🔑
💭 Utilize Keywords 🗝️🔄
Imagine standing on stage… lights blinding ✨, throat dry 🥵, mind blank 😶. Scary, right? This is where keywords save the day! 🦸♂️
Pick a few key words that embody your message 📌. If your speech is about “innovation”, repeating that word can help you stay anchored. 🚀🔄
📢 Pro Tip: Write keywords on flashcards 📇 or keep them in your notes for easy reference! 📖
🫁 Master Your Breathing 🌬️😌
Breathing = Better Public Speaking! 🎤💨 Especially for those of us with ADHD, controlling pace & pauses is key. 🚦
Try these breathing tips:
✅ Posture: Shoulders back, straight spine! 💪✨
✅ Diaphragm Breathing: Belly expands, not chest! 🌊
✅ Speaking & Breathing: Don’t hold your breath! 🗣️💨
✅ Pauses = Power! Use natural stops to breathe & refocus! ⏸️😌
👥 Enlist an Accountability Partner 🙌🔗
I put the “Pro” in Procrastination 🤡⏳—no matter how important a speech is, I will still put it off. 😅 ADHD + last-minute panic = NOT ideal! 🚨
So, I ask for help. An accountability partner (like a coach or friend) keeps me on track 🏃♂️💨. WorkSitter has been a game-changer for this! 🎯📅
📢 Pro Tip: Set a “Finish Line” ⏳—a practice run deadline one week before your event! 🏁👀
🏁 Set a Finish Line 🏆🎤
By setting an artificial deadline, I practice “game speed” runs 🎭—outfit & all! 👔🎙️ This reduces anxiety and helps me visualize success. 🏆😃Radical acceptance has freed me from shame & self-judgment—I know my ADHD struggles, so I set structures to work with my brain, not against it! 🧠🔄
🎤 Public Speaking is a Skill—You Got This! 💪
Public speaking is a learned skill 🏋️♂️, even with ADHD. The key? Practice, structure, and support. 🛠️🚀
I’d love to hear from you! 💬 Have you faced public speaking struggles? What tips help you stay focused & confident? 🤔 Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️✨
