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I think it helps to figure out what aspect of the group meeting stirs the anxiety. Are you expected to speak? Is it usually negative? Is it just overwhelming with more people involved? Being able to pinpoint what is fueling the anxiety can help you tackle the details instead of getting lost in the big anxious picture.
That’s really helpful, thank you. I definitely think it’s more of a group setting and all eyes being on me that makes me more nervous!
I think it's one of those "practice makes perfect" situations. I'm guessing you're comfortable with 1:1s because you're used to talking to people on an individual level. Talking to a group is an entirely different setting. I used to get incredibly nervous before meetings because I hated having so many sets of eyes on me, but it's gotten so much better over the years. Just give it some time, it'll start to feel more natural eventually.
Exactly that, I’m totally fine speaking 1:1 with Every person at my work, but as soon as it’s in a group setting I get so anxious. As soon as I start thinking about it too it gets worse!
Thank you , fingers crossed it will get better
Meeting anxiety afflicts a lot of us. One thing you can do is get familiar with the agenda and think about any contributions you might want to make. Even if you may not have to present in the meeting, having some talking points ready might make you feel more secure. And don't feel like you have to make huge contributions in meetings, it's fine to start small and get used to it. It's also good to remember that it can be enough to listen attentively. Sometimes if you're really concentrating on the content of the meeting you can feel less self-conscious. Finally, if you're experiencing physical issues from anxiety, practice some breathing exercises to calm yourself in the moment. Breathe in through your nose and exhale slowly through the mouth, that can be calming and it's not noticeable.
Wow, thank you so much. That’s really great advice. Having some talking points stored in my head is a really great idea. Absolutely, being engaged in the meeting helps so much, it’s more when I get a bit distracted I then start working myself up a bit!
How long has it been that you’ve been feeling like that? I took on a slightly new role/responsibility at work and it took me a solid month before I no longer felt sick to get on a meeting with somebody! Also just because you are now in a decent place doesn’t erase all the negatives you went through before.
Quite a few years now I’d say! I’ve had really bad experiences with work, and how now finally found a great place. So it may be a case of just trying the people and slowly feeling more comfortable