Voice trembling while in meetings

Hi

Iam a 27 year old healthy guy. Iam a software professional which involves a lot of meetings with collegues and management. I have a nagging problem.

While iam quite good at talking when its not formal or when its not my turn to speak, i get very nervous when its a round table meeting when i HAVE to give an update or when i HAVE TO speak. My heart starts pounding and my voice trembles. These are my ONLY 2 symptoms.

Also after the first 2 mins (approx) are over, i dont feel like stopping at all. i feel so normal and in control.

I dont have any problems in meetings where i can randomly give ideas inbetween (basically when iam not FORCED to speak).

Is this just a starting problem iam having or is it a more serious issue ? Its wreaking havoc with my peace of mind and i spend sleepless nights about my status meetings in which my turn WILL come to speak.

Does anyone else have such a condition ? Please help.

Also in meetings, when they ask us to introduce ourselves in turns, i get the same symptoms. (heart pounding and shivering voice) It feels so bad.

Please help.

Thanks
Not So Cool.

I have the same problem... I have NO PROBLEM giving random ideas and I tremble whenever I'm asked for status. Or when I have to explain what I'm working on.

I'm reading a book that says to "imagine that the people around the room likes you very much". Well, that's easier said than done, I can tell you. Right now, what I plan to do is face it head on. I will try speaking to the people that I usually have in meetings. It won't be pretty. I think I will get sick at the start... But I'm getting more sick and tired of having this condition affect my friggin life.



Oh, btw, I'm a software professional also, lol.

This is a typical problem that we with social phobia have. I joined a men's group at church where we have round table discussions to get some exposure work as well as participate and learn something/impart knowledge. I have noticed some other men have shakey voices at first and even out more as they talk. I don't think the so called normal people pay that much attention to a shakey voice as we might think.

Remember, probably half the people are not paying attention to what your are saying anyway. And most of the other half are not judging you. The few who might be judging are not worthy of your thoughts or concern.

Hope this helps.

so is there a medicine for that?

One thing that might help, if you can do it. Try sitting in a spot where you know you will be first on the "go around". This way, there is not time for the anxiety to build up. I know that is not always possible, but it might help in some situations. You can also try focusing the best you can on something else (your notes, or even what the other people are saying, etc) while the other's are making the go around. Just try the best you can not to focus on your own feelings, but on external things. If you can completely externally focus, there cannot be any anxiety. Not always easy, I know, but these are some strategies.

it happened to me for the pass few years, and has been damning me since.

Time to change.

The key is hardcore focusing mehtod. If you suddenly stray away from your thoughts, do what two words sais"stop it"

I know its hard, but it takes dedication and practice to be Two Words. Consistent is the key.

there are meds for such inability to talk during presentations.

They include beta-blockers that will choke your nervousness off.

because if we cant talk properly, its because we breathe wrongly, and the heart is pumping real hard, thats what causes it.

Taking beta blockers will definitely help, really..

My exact issue. I just order Cardinol which is basically propanolol (inderal). Singapore Guy---how much would you suggest I take 10 or 20mg---how long does it last after taking?