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Loosing breath and difficulty talking.

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/26/2013 10:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hello..

I have difficulty while I talk to anyone over phone or face to face. I can't articulate properly and always find myself in search of the right word. The pauses make me more anxious and I loose breath. Though English is not my primary language, I have a decent fluency to make up sentences.

I could thinking of two possible causes..

I have a nasal septum deviation which often leads to blocked nose. Though it gets uncomfortable when I catch cold, it is manageable otherwise.

I have been taking medication called finasteride to stop hairloss for about 2 years now. I may be paranoid, but it may have affected my voice pitch as it has some effect on testosterone levels. I am a 26 year old male and my voice often gets mistaken for a female voice over the phone . It sounds very low that people often ask me to repeat what I have said..which greatly increases my anxiety levels.

I am an international student and can't spend on treatments or surgeries. I have been failing in my job interviews due to my lack of articulation and anxiety. Can someone help me understand how to get over this problem? I will be grateful . Thank you
Posted 7/26/2013 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
Practice, practice, practice.

A small pause is not a bad thing. Take a deep breath before you start to speak. Breath support will strengthen your voice, and give you some volume control..

Take a speech class. I have taught many international students, and their worry about their speaking skills is usually not as bad as they think it is. It's more concerning to them than it is to the listener.

Think about actively sending your voice to the other person. Too often we focus on what blocks communication, rather than the communication itself.

BTW, neither of the things you mentioned would have an effect on vocal skills. I promise.
Posted 7/27/2013 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
Great advice by member Myself 09!!

These are all great ideas and points.

There are also good videos on youtube that teach speaking effectively. Look some up, and practice the techniques at home while you are relaxed so that you will be ready when the real situation demand your articulation.

Best wishes!

S.C.
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