How Speaking Without Fear works
Anyone who experiences discomfort, nervousness or a sense of being cut off from themselves or the listeners while speaking will benefit from the Speaking Without Fear course. It is also useful for experienced speakers who want to improve their contact with their audiences. The central goal of the 10-unit course is to reduce nervousness and increase effectiveness in presentations, meetings, social occasions, interviews and speeches. Based on the Somatic Experiencing trauma healing techniques, the method is to gradually explore the nervous system’s responses to the stress and pleasure of communication and gradually replace uncomfortable patterns with more enjoyable and productive ways of speaking.
The course is conducted in both English and German and includes 3 individual Somatic Experiencing sessions. 3-hour demonstration classes are offered at a cost of CHF 100.
“It was good to realize I am not alone with my problem, and that other people share the fear of speaking in front of a group. The solidarity in the group gave me freedom and courage.”
3 realizations gently strengthen speaking:
Good connections bring security.
Good human connections are essential for our well-being and professional productivity. By communicating we express who we are, we take our place in groups, we contribute ideas, and we receive confirmation of our presence. The first phase of the course explores the basic elements of connecting: presence, purpose, consciousness of the attention of others, and how to begin, sustain and end contact. The emphasis is on experiencing the good things that communication brings to our lives.
Defense reactions block connections.
Speaking situations can stimulate a wide variety of reactions from pleasure or triumph to self-judgment, feeling not heard, exposed, judged, rejected, disconnected, wanting to escape, numbness, panic, blackout, helplessness or aggression. These responses are all variations of self-defense. The goal of the second part of the course is to build a neutral awareness of these often uncomfortable reactions, using them as clues for discovering each individual’s needs for safety and comfort.
Safe experiences open new channels.
The awareness built in the first two parts is used to soften stress responses and build new, more appropriate patterns based on positive experiences of purpose, comfort and connection. The group works with body positions and relaxation techniques, and also learns how to shape messages so both audience and speaker can be comfortable even when there is disagreement. Practice in front of the group helps speakers explore nervousness in safety. Self-knowledge leads to confidence and creates space for new, positive communication.“I learned that it doesn’t have to be difficult.”
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