Mastering the Stage: Boost Your Public Speaking Confidence with EFT Tapping Techniques

Introduction

Sweat on your brow, heart pounding, mind racing with thoughts of epic failure—and we haven’t even started about the audience yet. For many of us, public speaking is not just hard, but borderline terrifying.

“The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.” – George Jessel

What if I told you that an unconventional method like tapping your fingers could help to quell these fears? You'd probably think I’ve lost a few screws. But hear me out, there's this technique called Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) which, believe it or not, does promise pretty much that. Stick around if you want to know more—better yet, mute your skeptic inner voice and let's waltz down this unexpected avenue.

What are EFT Tapping Techniques?

"Tap yourself to calmness." Sounds completely bonkers, doesn't it? But that’s the magic of EFT tapping—an innovative, energy healing technique that dials down your stress by—you guessed it—tapping.. The kind of tapping we're referring to involves gently thumping certain points of your body (your body’s energy hotspots, if you will) while focusing on the fear or worry you want to diminish.

The Relationship Between EFT Tapping Techniques and Boosting Confidence

EFT is a bit like building up mental health judo. Think of your fear as a hefty opponent charging straight at you; EFT allows you to use that fear's energy against itself. You bring the troublesome emotion to the forefront, concentrate on it, and then drain its power through tapping. With your anxiety reduced, natural confidence can gain momentum. It's like clearing weeds to let flowers bloom... or removing stage fright to reveal your inner speaker superstar. Confidence is a muscle, you have to build it up bit by bit.

The Significance of Confidence in Public Speaking

Bet you never thought you'd take public speaking tips from me, huh? Well, hear me out.

I used to be terrified of doing live youtube, Instagram lives, live podcasts and webinars, and now, it's like nothing! And I've been working on slowly getting bigger opportunities to step out of my comfort zone to really get better and better!

It's the same with public speaking—people only see (and judge) what's happening on stage, not the backstage turmoil. And for me, it was a process using EFT and I couldn't be more proud of the risks I've been able to take getting out of my comfort zone and feel ok about it.

‍

The key to successful public speaking, therefore, lies in managing this hidden chaos and projecting confidence.

Which is precisely where EFT taps come into play...

Understanding EFT Tapping Techniques

Let's get a bit academic-ish. Bear with me; it won’t last long, promise. To appreciate EFT, you need to understand its philosophy and working process.

Origin and Philosophy of EFT Tapping Techniques

Did you know that EFT emerged from the fields of acupuncture, kinesiology, and psychology? It’s like the Avengers of wellness techniques, drawing from different disciplines to become something truly powerful. EFT taps into the idea that the mind can influence the health and well-being of the body—an ancient Eastern concept. Dante could've said it: "In the mind of the body, we find health." Well, he didn’t, but he should have.

General Overview of the Practice

Here's where things get interesting. Essentially, with EFT, you tap specific parts of your body while exploring negative emotions related to an event or fear. Imagine scaring the bogeyman under your bed with a flashlight—that’s EFT for you.

Basic Steps Involved in EFT

Before we start this tapping dance, a quick heads up—EFT is flexible. So my way might not be your way, and that's perfectly cool. But if you're wondering where to start, here’s a tap map for you:

• Start by identifying the fear. Bring the monster into the light.
• Evaluate the intensity of your fear. Scale it from 1 to 10 – makes it easier to gauge progress later.
• State what you’re feeling and intend to let it go. Like closing a nasty pop-up ad on your computer.
• Tap the EFT points, start from the top (crown of the head), and make your way down (chin, collarbone, under the arm). Don't worry about getting lost; there're plenty of EFT guides online.
• Re-evaluate your fear. Feel less terrified? Congrats, it's working!

“Feel the fear of public speaking and do it anyway.” – Arvee Robinson

‍

How EFT Tapping Techniques Can Improve Confidence for Public Speaking

Let's circle back to our beast of the day, public speaking. Suppose you're scared stiff at the thought of speaking in front of people. In that case, EFT encourages you to approach this fear, face it head-on, and subsequently tap it away. Think of it as a pre-game ritual, priming your body and mind for a confident performance.

Tapping as a Method of Calming Nerves and Anxiety

We all know the tell-tale signs of anxiety: pounding heartbeat, sweaty palms, the sudden inability to form coherent sentences. EFT can work like an eject button for these nasty feelings. A quick tapping session before your speech can work wonders to soothe those butterflies in your stomach.

Harnessing the Power of Positive Affirmations through EFT

EFT is a fantastic technique, sure, but add affirmations to the mix? Now, that's like adding an afterburner to a rocket. The simple act of verbalising positive thoughts, like "I am a capable and confident speaker," can greatly bolster your self-confidence.

Case Studies: Improvement Stories using EFT for Public Speaking

Don't just take my word for it. One of my former clients, Jane, a sales executive, was petrified of leading meetings. She is normally a confident person one on one, but being the center of attention and having the spotlight on her did not feel comfortable at all. After a few weeks of practicing EFT before team conferences, and slowly taking steps to create proof she was improving and building up her confidence, she kept taking steps bit by bit! Now, she's learned how to tap beforehand to calm the jitters, envision success, and also since he has past examples, she can now share her ideas confidently without feeling like fleeing the room every two minutes.

Another example was Mark, a university professor who taught Literature, had to fill in for a few days in another subject he didn't feel confident in at all. He was afraid of getting questions he didn't know, or students seeing through him that he wasn't 100% confident (students smell fear! ha!) We did several tapping rounds and prepared him the day before his classes started. And it went well! Also, regular EFT tapping helped him manage anxiety and has significantly improved his oratory skills.

Practical Guide to Using EFT Tapping Techniques for Public Speaking

Here's how to tap your way to public speaking success.

Preparation: When and How to Tap Before a Speaking Engagement

Real talk? Tap whenever you feel panic raising its ugly head. Long shower before the big day? Tap. Nervous while having breakfast? Tap. Just before you step up to the podium? Tap again my friend. Remember, EFT is flexible, so make it work for you.

In-The-Moment Strategies: Using EFT to Boost Confidence during the Speech

Caught mid-speech with stage fright? No worries, subtly tap your fingers together. Chances are, people will just think it's a quirky gesture and won’t suspect you're in-fact practicing your tapping techniques.

Maintenance: Regular EFT Techniques for Overall Confidence Enhancement

This isn't a one-night-stand kind of technique. You have to commit to it. The more you practice, the better you get at managing your fears and boosting your confidence.

Essential Tips and Tricks for Effective EFT Tapping

To get the best out of EFT, remember the following:

• Be specific with your fears.
• Embrace your emotions, don't shy away from them.
• Consistency is key—keep practicing.
• Personalize the process—do what feels right for you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Beginners

We all make mistakes, don't sweat it. But here are a few boo-boos you might want to sidestep:

• Being vague with your fears. Focus, people!
• Forgetting to breathe (It sounds odd, but trust me, it happens!)
• Not giving the technique enough time to work.

Maximizing the Impacts: Combining EFT with Other Confidence-Boosting Strategies

EFT is wonderful, but it doesn't work in isolation. For maximum confidence surge, try combining EFT tapping with other strategies such as visualization, power posing, deep breathing, or even yoga. The possibilities are endless; discover what works for you.

Conclusion

EFT is an extraordinary technique that can boost your public speaking confidence. It's simple, practical, and the best part? You don’t need anything other than your fingers to practice. So tap away, my friend, tap away.

Recap of the Importance of EFT Techniques in Boosting Confidence for Public Speaking

EFT techniques effectively minimize anxieties, freeing up space for your confidence to grow. They function as self-help tools that you can use at any time to maintain a calm and positive mindset, especially before stepping on to the stage.

Encouragement for Continued Practice and Exploration

Tapping may sound unconventional, but as Albert Einstein once said, "The measure of intelligence is the ability to change." So why not embrace the change and give tapping a go?

Final Thoughts on Confidence Building and Public Speaking

Public speaking is much more than just talking in front of a large group. It's about expressing your ideas with conviction, and for that, you need confidence. And if tapping can take you a step closer to that... well, then tap you shall!

FAQs

What are the most common challenges in practicing EFT techniques for beginners?

The main challenge lies in consistency. Some people expect quick fixes, and when they don't see immediate results, they give up. Once you understand that EFT requires patience and persistence, you're already over the biggest hurdle.

How quickly can I expect to see results in my confidence levels for public speaking after starting EFT?

About as long as it takes for a pot of coffee to brew - kidding! This isn't an instant process; you will need to practice consistently and patiently to see significant improvements. Some people notice changes in a few days, while others may need a few weeks. The key is to stick with it.

Are there any risks or downsides involved in EFT tapping techniques?

EFT is generally considered safe. But remember, it’s not a replacement for medical treatment. If you're dealing with severe anxiety, for instance, definitely seek professional help.

Want to work with me? Schedule a free discovery call now! 

ANDREA HUNT - Online Transformational Life Coach & EFT Tapping Practitioner based in Munich, Germany

I'm an accredited transformational life coach from Animas Centre for Coaching UK  and a member of the International Coaching Federation. I'm also a Level 2 practitioner in EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) and a member of AEFTP (Association of Emotional Freedom Technique Professionals).

If you're not sure where to start transforming your life, you can download my free ebook on How to Start Your Personal Growth Journey.

Are you ready to change your life, let go of old beliefs, empower yourself for a mindset shift to move forward? Mel Robbins says: You're always one decision away from a different life.

HEADER PHOTO: Will Kell