How to Help your Anxiety of Online Speaking and Classes?
Amidst the worldwide pandemic of Covid-19, parents and students are facing a new daily routine, which involves speaking to others via a camera on their computer, phone or tablet. What this means is that they have to face a virtual audience, ask a question and provide answers in front of others on the monitor or display. To some, there is no issue in that, but others experience some form of anxiety.
This should come as no surprise. For centuries, people have been having issues speaking in front of others. There is evidence that ancient Roman orators would quake and pale before every speech they gave. And while the issue has persisted till today, more studies have been done in-depth to understand it and measure it, leading to the conclusion that at least one in five people experiences this sort of problem. To them, any speaking opportunity is a bit apprehensive and anxiety-provoking. That communication has moved online hasn’t changed this fact a lot. There are varying causes for this kind of problem, as well as different symptoms and a high dose of unpredictability. This is a tricky phenomenon, but there seems to be one almost constant with it — people who are anxious to speak out are usually afraid of the negative evaluation from their audience.
The people who experience anxiety at the prospect of online meetings always consider the audience will negatively think of them. They may be only virtually present, but they are listening and watching. With limited non-verbal cues, the anxiety in individuals can only increase. When the conversations are stilted, albeit more time-efficient, individuals with fear of public speaking can be even more impaired.
The good news is that both students and individuals who are running a business, which requires online meetings can benefit from several tips that can ease their anxiety and help them feel more comfortable communicating online:
- Prepare the agenda ahead of time — sending out several prepared questions to discuss before the meeting begins will help anyone feel more at ease, as they know what to expect from the online conversation.
- Use signposts and linking statements — the idea is that keeping everyone on track when doing an online meeting is important. There are no clues and cues, such as walking to a computer or pointing out a presentation. For example, individuals may state that they will check on the chat box at the end of their point, prompting others to ask questions.
- Usage of suitable language for oral delivery — online speaking is all about the content, and not so much about the way it is presented. As such, individuals with speaking anxiety have one less thing to worry and can focus on using simple structures and good speaking practices to improve their oral delivery.
- Needless interaction is just as good as no interaction — sometimes, when people unnecessarily call for interaction, they spike the anxiety in others and create great discomfort. The thing about online meetings is that the leading figure always needs to make decisions on what sort of interaction to initiate if any at all.
- Planning for each event separately — many people consider the need to follow general rules for each online meeting. This creates some uncertainty and stress. Instead, planning on each event separately may help. For example, if there is no need to see the other participants, this could be entirely skipped. It helps those with this kind of anxiety immensely.
All of these tips work to reduce anxiety in online meetings for those who experience this kind of problem.
