Public speaking used to terrify me. I would feel my heart race, my hands shake, and my throat tighten as if the words I needed to say were locked away. I knew that if I wanted to step into my role as a coach, trainer, and leader, I had to find a way to overcome this fear. That’s when I turned to something I had studied years before—Thought Field Therapy (TFT), the forerunner to Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), more commonly known as “tapping.”
Tapping helped me break free from the grip of stage fright, not just mentally but physically. And I’m not alone—clinical studies show that tapping has profound effects on reducing anxiety, calming the nervous system, and rewiring the brain’s response to stress.
What Is Tapping?
Tapping is a simple yet powerful technique that involves gently tapping on specific acupressure points on the face and upper body while focusing on an emotional challenge. It works by sending calming signals to the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing fear and triggering the fight-or-flight response.
The origins of tapping date back to Thought Field Therapy (TFT), developed by Dr. Roger Callahan in the 1980s. Later, EFT simplified the technique, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Today, both methods are used to address everything from stress and trauma to phobias, limiting beliefs, and even physical pain.
The Science Behind Tapping
Tapping isn’t just a wellness trend—it’s backed by research. Studies show that tapping can significantly lower cortisol (the stress hormone), reduce anxiety, and improve emotional resilience.
- A 2012 study published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that tapping reduced cortisol levels by 24% in just one hour—far more than traditional talk therapy alone.
- Research from Bond University in Australia found that tapping helped regulate the nervous system, decreasing activity in the limbic system (the brain’s emotional centre), which is overactive in people with anxiety and phobias.
- A meta-analysis in 2016 concluded that EFT is an “evidence-based practice” for treating anxiety, noting its effectiveness in reducing symptoms significantly compared to control groups.
For those struggling with performance anxiety, these findings are game-changing.
How I Used Tapping to Overcome Stage Fright
When I decided to address my stage fright with tapping, I followed a structured process:
- Identifying the Fear: I acknowledged my anxiety about public speaking and rated its intensity on a scale of 1 to 10. (Usually, it was a solid 9!)
- Tapping Through the Emotion: I tapped on key acupressure points while stating, “Even though I feel terrified of speaking in front of others, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
- Repeating the Process: I worked through different layers of my fear—self-doubt, the fear of judgment, and physical sensations like a racing heart—until my intensity level dropped significantly.
- Visualising Success: Once my anxiety had lowered, I used tapping to reinforce confidence by imagining myself speaking effortlessly.
Over time, my physical symptoms of anxiety faded. The tightness in my chest, the shaking hands, the dry mouth—all of it lost its grip. Instead, I felt grounded and calm when stepping onto a stage or in front of a group.
Why Tapping Works for Performance Anxiety
Tapping rewires the brain’s response to stress. It interrupts the fight-or-flight reaction that makes public speaking feel like a life-or-death situation. Instead of spiralling into panic, the body learns a new, calmer response.
By consistently using tapping, I changed my relationship with public speaking. What once felt like a terrifying ordeal became an opportunity to share my message with clarity and confidence.
Can Tapping Help You?
Absolutely. Whether you struggle with stage fright, anxiety, emotional eating, or other stress-related challenges, tapping is a tool worth exploring. It’s simple, quick, and doesn’t require special equipment—just your fingertips and a willingness to try something new.
If you’ve ever felt held back by fear, I encourage you to give tapping a go. You might be surprised at just how powerful this technique can be.
If you feel you would like to explore how tapping can help you, please do click this link and book a discovery call. It’s complimentary, what have you got to loose.
Don’t let stress dictate your life any longer. Take the first step towards a calmer, more balanced you today. Book a call to discuss your needs. You can call us at 07768 493157, email alison@alisoncharles.co.uk or use the link below to book a complimentary discovery session.
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