🎤 + MARK TWAIN = THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF SPEAKERS: THOSE WHO GET NERVOUS AND THOSE WHO ARE LIARS.
YOU CAN’T OVERCOME SPEAKING NERVES
No, I am not trying to be a downer this early in the week. But anyone who claims they can help you overcome, conquer, or master your public speaking nerves is selling you snake oil.🐍
Can your confidence and efficacy improve?
🌟 For sure.
Can you eliminate your speaking nerves?
🛑 No.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
According to an article by the University of Pittsburg Communications Department: “Experiencing speech anxiety is normal. Nearly everyone gets nervous when they have to give a speech or a presentation, even experienced speakers. The speakers that look relaxed and confident have simply learned how to handle their anxiety and use it to enhance their performance.”
Want more evidence? Check out one of my favorite educational videos from TED. In less than five minutes, this video explains why we are biologically wired to feel nerves when we are in front of an audience.
🎤 MIC CHECK: SIX STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING CONQUERING MASTERING MANAGING YOUR SPEAKING NERVES
It is impossible to list all of the ways to manage your speaking nerves in just one newsletter, so I am highlighting what I believe to be the most effective three:
- 🧘♀️ TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
A relaxed body often leads to a relaxed mind. Physical exercise, even a quick walk or a few minutes of stretching, can significantly reduce stress hormones. Additionally, nourishing your body with balanced meals and staying hydrated can set a positive tone for your overall mental state.
- 🎭 PRACTICE IN HIGH-STRESS, LOW/NO-STAKES SITUATIONS
One of the best ways to prepare for the stress of public speaking is to practice under similar conditions. Rehearsing in front of a mirror is good, but it doesn’t replicate the experience of having an audience. Try to arrange practice sessions in high-stress situations where the stakes are low. You can rehearse in front of friends, family, or even record yourself and observe your performance. The idea is to acclimate yourself to the experience so that when the real moment arrives, it’s just another step in the journey.
- 🐢 SLOW DOWN
A common mistake people make when nervous is speaking too quickly. A fast speech can be hard for your audience to follow, and you might forget important points you wanted to make. Make a conscious effort to slow down, pause for emphasis, and breathe. Not only does it make you appear more confident, but it also gives you time to gather your thoughts.
Keep speaking up your story,
ENCORE: MORE TO EXPLORE
A SPEAKER’S INTEGRITY AS THE FOUNDATION FOR CONFIDENCE
Speakers must care about their off-stage presence as much as their on-stage performance. In this video, I address three key elements of a speaker’s off-stage presence. Click on the button below to learn more!
THEN THERE WAS THE TIME I FAKED IT TO BECOME IT…
Then there was the time I faked it until I made it…I mean, BECAME it. Confidence was not about trying to be someone I was not, although it felt like that most days. Confidence was about accepting myself for who I was. Click on the button below to learn more!
