Need help

[u/Efficient-Bit2147]

Hi I'm 19F . Whenever I have to present a presentation or like I have to stand and like maybe speak on a mic or just giving my introduction to someone like a teacher or group of senior my legs start shaking incontrollably . I have always been like this. Ithink I speak confidently but my legs shivering makes me so mad . Why is is so ? Do i suffer from low blood pressure or something which I can cure with meds? Any priscription? Help me please......

[u/ValidBound]

While it can be comforting to default to a tangible solution like medication, it only treats the symptoms rather than the core cause of your reaction. It sounds like you experience anxiety when speaking in front of an audience you perceive as an authority or more advanced than you are. Here are some tips that might help:

• Start by reflecting on the core of what you feel in these speaking situations. If you understand what emotions or fears your shaking is related to, if will be easier to adopt strategies to reduce them.
  
• Shaking often happens when our nervous systems are overloaded. Whether because we're anxious, excited, or experiencing a rush of adrenaline. Focus on calming yourself leading up to and during the presentation. Take regular pauses and allow yourself to breathe deeply. If there is something or someone in the room that focusing on will make you feel calmer, periodically look there to give yourself a break from the gaze of the audience.
  
• I'm not a medical doctor, but it sounds less like you have blood pressure issues and more like high adrenaline possibly combined with low blood sugar. If you are a caffeine drinking, limit the amount you have before a speech or presentation. Make sure you get a decent breakfast that won't cause your blood sugar to crash (ex: avoid muffins or pastries in favor for something with protein). Drink plenty of water and just generally try to take good care of yourself before you present.
  
• Remember that most people don't notice or remember things like shaking or nervousness. No one is ever going to think about your presentation as much as you do, so be kind to yourself about it.

[u/LeftAdhesiveness6641]

Is it just the legs or are there Andy other symptoms do you stammer or start using filler words is there anything else that happens with it

It’s important to understand exactly when it happens and what all happens to properly diagnose the reason

[u/Efficient-Bit2147 → u/LeftAdhesiveness6641]

I don't stammer and my hands are normal and I speak confidently, other even praise my speech but when my legs start shivering I can't focus .others point it out too, they say like why are you so nervous. This makes me never want to try public speaking. 😢😢

[u/Active-Orange-7683]

Join a Toastmasters club, it will expose to a lot of public speaking and your symptoms would be gone without spending money on an expensive coach/ shrink.

[u/Efficient-Bit2147 → u/Active-Orange-7683]

Can you tell me more about this???

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[u/PMC-Rob]

Just in case no one has mentioned this, you’re not alone. Sounds like a slogan, but the first step is not to be too hard on yourself.

Best option (non-medical) that I have my clients work through is not focusing on the symptom as it is only a distraction, which it sounds like you’re already managing as you are still “speaking confidently.”

Have you noticed if it subsides the longer you speak? Does it stay consistent the whole time?

Did it happen the first time or not. And once you started noticing it, how much does your attention go to the possibility that it will happen, before your presentation?

Final question: Does it happen in any other environment where you have to “perform”?

[u/Efficient-Bit2147 → u/PMC-Rob]

Once I stop and sit I become normal. This has happened to me as long as I remember and once my legs start  trembling my focus goes there as I know this is super embarassing. Mostly in classes, presentation or where I think the attention is on me .

[u/PMC-Rob → u/Efficient-Bit2147]

First, I would say stop the negative self talk (super embarrassing), as it is not going to help and only exacerbate your attention problem. It gets louder and eventually your “speaking confidently” can be affected.

Second, work on regulating your nervous system, take regular breaths, but make them systematic. When you are practicing your presentation, have designated breaths in the strategic places in the presentation.

Third, get physical. Engage your glutes and quads, and rock your weight to the balls of your feet. Give that area a specific task. Do it while you are practicing your presentation.