How to Prepare for Your ‘Share’ as an AA Speaker
Admitting you're struggling with addiction is an incredibly brave and difficult thing to do. But it's a necessary first step on the road to recovery. As it happens, though, the need for bravery and resilience doesn't stop there.
Even if you've already accepted the fact that you have an addiction, being forthright about this topic in front of other people is another huge hurdle to overcome. A large part of AA is sharing your story in order to facilitate accountability and healing. But preparing for your turn as an AA speaker can be daunting.
This guide will give you the tools and tricks to become more comfortable with sharing at AA meetings to set yourself up for as successful an experience as possible. Read on for everything you need to know.
Dealing With Nerves
Aside from having to share an incredibly vulnerable experience, there's also the fact that a fear of public speaking, in general, is a very real thing. This is a common source of anxiety for plenty of people, no matter what walk of life they come from or how confident they may seem.
But it's something that can be overcome. Here are some tips to deal with any public speaking worries you might have:
- Have an idea of what you want to say
- Practice your talk beforehand
- Try deep breathing techniques
Know What You Want to Say
Following on from the last point, one of the best things you can do ahead of AA shares is to roughly plan out what it is you want to say. This will help you stick to your topic and articulate the things you want to.
It can be tough to know how much detail to include or how much time to take up. These are cues you can take from other speakers. Ideally, you should give a succinct insight into your past, your road to recovery, and your hopes for the future.
Know You Won't Be Judged
If you're still feeling anxious after your preparation and planning, we've got one of the best tips for sharing at an AA meeting. Nothing you can say is going to shock anyone there.
An AA meeting is a room full of people who've either heard it all before or who've been there themselves. You're not going to be judged for sharing your story and you don't need to be afraid about what anyone's reaction will be. It's a community that's there to support you and your recovery goals in whatever way it can.
Become a Confident AA Speaker Today
Your first time as an AA speaker will probably be a little bit scary. But you can't let this hold you back from your progress in the program. Follow the above tips, and know that the more you do it the easier it will get.
If you're looking for more advice on all things to do with AA, you can consult the rest of our blog. If you'd like to purchase AA Tokens, check out our range now.