Fear of Public Speaking & Social Anxiety
from Nicola Belle, Stroud Gloucestershire

Overcoming your fear of Public Speaking

My experience of public speaking in front of a group of people used to be at best uncomfortable and sometimes it was nerve-racking.  I then discovered a completely different approach to help me overcome my social anxiety.  I underwent a gradual and profound transformation from fear of speaking in groups to actually enjoying it.

This simple yet powerful approach to overcome your fear of public speaking is not about performance or learning techniques.  It focuses on four basic principles:

• How to connect with your audience
• How to receive support from the people you are speaking to
• Acknowledging stage fright and moving through it
• Bringing awareness to the "inner critic"

I realised that I had never connected with the group of people I was speaking to.  I often used to avoid eye contact and would talk into empty space.  I also felt that I had to give or deliver something and that it was never good enough.

This innovative solution enabled me to stay in relationship with my audience as well as feeling supported by them.  I then felt encouraged  to speak a lot more honestly and spontaneously.  I began to dissolve my inner critic thereby letting go of my fear of being judged.

The groups I facilitate are based in Gloucestershire and are called 'Speaking with Confidence'.  They will enable you to speak naturally and spontaneously in any group situation including:

• giving presentations
• teaching
• social groups
• interviews
• public speaking.

I have been running these groups for ten years.  I originally trained with 'Speaking Circles'.  I am also an experienced psychotherapist and counsellor.

AS WELL AS RUNNING WORKSHOPS I ALSO OFFER ONE-TO-ONE SESSIONS

The next Workshop is on:

Saturday 3rd December

Venue: Friends Meeting House, Nailsworth, near Stroud

Cost:  £45.00 (concessions £35.00)

Time:  10am - 5pm

To book, phone 01453 751419

SPEAKING WITH CONFIDENCE WORKSHOPS 2012

Date:  Saturday 28th January

Venue: Hawkwood College near Stroud, Gloucestershire

Time: 9.30am - 5 pm

Cost:  £62.00 (includes delicious two course lunch)

To book, phone Hawkwood College on 01453 759034

Date:  Saturday 3rd March

Venue: Isbourne Holistic Centre, Cheltenham

Time:  10am - 5pm

Cost:  £45.00

To book, phone the Isbourne on 01242 254321

For more information, please phone Nicola Belle Tel: 01453 751419, or  e-mail me on nicolabelle27@hotmail.co.uk

QUOTES FROM PARTICIPANTS:  "In a gentle yet profound way, this course asks us to engage with so many vital themes - self-acceptance, connection with others, even love .... One of the best workshops I have ever attended." Kim (counsellor)

"It felt like a very safe place to explore my fears.  I now go into a group feeling a lot more open, relaxed and connected to myself and others."  Diana (shiatsu practitioner)

For more info: www.speakingcircles.com

Nicola Belle - local counsellor, Stroud Gloucestershire helping with depression, social anxiety, fear of public speaking, bereavement & loss counsellor