The Responses:
The Amygdala’s Response: At the core of our brain’s reaction to public speaking lies the amygdala, the emotional centre
. And my clients will know all about this part of the limbic system. It perceives the potential threat of public scrutiny, triggering the body’s “fight or flight” response. As a result, the heart rate increases, palms may sweat, and the body prepares for action.
The Prefrontal Cortex’s Role: Simultaneously, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and reasoning, our Intellectual Mind, comes into play. It evaluates the situation, determining whether the perceived threat is real or imagined. This region strives to maintain composure and rational thinking amid the emotional surge initiated by the amygdala.
The Hippocampus and Memory: Public speaking experiences become etched in our memory, largely thanks to the hippocampus. This region encodes and consolidates information, shaping our future responses. Positive experiences can lead to increased confidence, while negative ones may trigger heightened anxiety in similar situations. It pattern matches, which is why phobic reactions can take place in particular/certain circumstances.
Lets Feel good
Dopamine and Reward Circuitry: The brain’s reward circuitry, featuring the release of dopamine, plays a crucial role. Successful public speaking experiences activate this system, creating a positive association with the activity. Over time, this can contribute to improved confidence and a more positive outlook on public speaking engagements.
Neural Plasticity: The brain’s remarkable ability to adapt, known as neural plasticity, comes into play during repeated public speaking exposure. Regular practice can rewire neural pathways, diminishing the amygdala’s threat response and strengthening the prefrontal cortex’s ability to manage anxiety. A little excitement from the amygdala keeps us sharp, but too much can really get us into trouble.
The Role of Mirror Neurons: Mirror neurons, which fire both when we perform an action and when we observe others doing the same, foster empathy and connection. In public speaking, they enable speakers to gauge audience reactions, adjust their delivery, and establish a more engaging connection.
Understanding the brain’s intricacies in response to public speaking unveils opportunities for intentional training and self-improvement. Techniques such as self hypnosis, mindfulness and positive visualisation, helping individuals transform anxiety into confidence. As we unravel the mysteries of our brain’s response to public speaking, we gain insights that empower us to not only navigate the challenges but to thrive in the spotlight.