Or maybe you have avoided promotions completely because they would mean that you would have to attend MORE meetings.
), avoiding them because of anxiety can hurt you, both professionally and personally.
These are most useful if your anxiety is not severe or you are already in treatment for SAD.
Take control of your anxiety in meetings to improve your work life.Getty / Lumina Images
Focus on getting extra practice to hone your skills and attempt to reframe how you see the situation.
Getting to the meeting early and skipping avoidance behaviors (like not talking or not making eye contact).
Remind yourself of your strengths and give yourself a reasonable amount of time to prepare.
you might also take some of the pressure off by using visual to draw some attention away from yourself.
Consider joining a group likeToastmasters.
During the first few sessions, you are free to observe and decide whether you want to participate.
View every social encounter as a chance to practice and become better at communicating.
you’re able to also use reframing after a meeting if you are struggling with regrets or worries.
These might includedeep breathingorprogressive relaxation.
When you arrive early, you won’t worry about being late.
you might also give a shot to arrive a few minutes early for video conferencing meetings.
This can give you time to chat with others and get more relaxed before other attendees sign in.
Although preparation is important (see below), being over-prepared is asubtle bang out of avoidance.
Bring a pen and paper to meetings and take notes by hand.
This keeps your hands busy and your mind focused, and also helps you look and feel productive.
Know Your Strengths
Social anxiety in meetings can make it harder to let your strengths shine.
Polishing up your public speaking abilities can help you come across as professional and poisedeven when you’re nervous.
Work meetings aren’t just about speaking, though.
Being a good listener is also a valuable skill in meetings.
So, use your listening skills to your advantage!
Over-preparing or under-preparing may leave you feeling even more anxiousparticularly because these are often a reflection of your anxiety.
Wear clothing that is comfortable and professional, and that makes you feel good.
If you are speaking to the group, use some sort of visual medium as part of your presentation.
This is a great strategy for virtual meetings as well.
If you will be presenting, put together a few slides and share your screen when you’re talking.
Then you’ve got the option to reduce the time you’re on camera.
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