Mindfulness can be used as a tool to help manage stress and stage fright.
Mindfulness, which has been known in Eastern cultures for centuries, is conquering the western world. In the literature, the concept of mindfulness is defined as the ability to observe and experience external and internal stimuli without criticism and with equanimity. In general, they can be described as being here and now, with full acceptance of occurring events, thoughts and circumstances. Mindfulness techniques can effectively support people who face an audience during the presentation
Being one of the most common fears among the public, fear of public speaking is prevalent among 85% of the population. Each of us must take part in this activity from time to time. So how do you deal with this common condition? Mindfulness can be an extremely useful skill in this context. Thanks to it, we can stop negative winding up and the spiral of unsupportive thoughts. Mindfulness can support speakers, actors, vocalists or managers who often feel fear and stress before speaking. Regular use of mindfulness techniques allows you to increase concentration, which in turn can help you increase the efficiency and quality of speech. What’s more, a 15-minute meditation can also manifest self-confidence and positive emotions.
Mindfulness enhances our perception abilities and stress reduction on stage. Meditation causes changes at the biological level, because it regulates the work of the prefrontal cortex, which affects the ability to cope with stress and emotions. It also reduces the level of cortisol in the blood, allows you to slow down the flow of thoughts, increases the density of gray matter. All these benefits that mindfulness bestows on us during public speaking.
More about dealing with stress here . Article about relaxation methods and relaxation techniques here
BILBIOGRAPHY
1.Błaszczak, A. (2018). Wpływ Treningu Redukcji Stresu opartego na uważności (MBSR) na zdrowie fizyczne. Annales Universitatis Mariae Curie-Skłodowska, 31(1), 61-73.
2.Kumar, M., Kalakbandi, V., Prashar, S. i Parashar, N. A. (2017). Overcoming the effect of low self-esteem on public speaking anxiety with mindfulness-based interventions. Springer, 44(4), 287-296.
3.Priestley, J. (2016). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Public Speaking Anxiety – A Case Series Study of Effects on Self-reported, Implicit, Imaginal, and In-vivo Outcomes. Nieopublikowana praca doktorska, Uniwersytet Lincolna, Londyn.
4.Wiliams, M. i Penman, D. (2014). Mindfulness. Trening uważności. Samo Sedno.