THE BLOG
How Do I Manage My Nerves?!
Welp, it's time to talk about that dreaded experience...NERVES!
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Nerves can be so sneaky, can't they? They hijack your excitement and turn your brain into a scramble.
It's no wonder why you would avoid speaking opportunities - even great ones - to avoid feeling nervous. Why would you go out of your way to suffer, am I right?!
In fact, here is a typical conversation I have with new clients:
ME: What drew you to public speaking coaching?
CLIENT: I hate public speaking. It's terrifying and agonizing and I just can't do it. I wish I could be totally calm in front of any audience!
I understand why they think this is a good idea.
Feeling calm and sleepy with nothing to worry about can seem better than feeling full of adrenaline.
But, there's a major problem with this logic. Here is what being calm in front of an audience actually looks like:
You are front row at a Beyoncé concert. (Congrats on getting tickets)!
Thousands of people are cheering behind you, and the stage is in arm's reach.
The lights flash and the band enthusiastically begins. Backup dancers begin their routine.
And, then, Queen Bey herself steps onto the stage. She looks... tired. Are those loose gray sweatpants she's wearing?! And, a stained white t-shirt? Did she just yawn?!
She quietly sings a few verses into the microphone, and then sits on the floor, leans back, and just watches the dancers.
She is certainly calm! But, is she interesting? Entertaining? Even remotely energetic?
No one would walk out of that venue exclaiming, "She was so calm. What an awesome night!"
Nope, they would march right up to the ticket counter and ask for a refund.
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Here's the uncomfortable truth:
Being calm on stage or on Zoom will bore the hell out of your audience. It will negatively affect your talk, reputation, and your intended impact.
So, let's shift that perspective.
It's not about feeling calm for a talk or presentation. It's about having the right kind of energy for that particular event!
Knowing what kind of energy you need to bring to leave an impact on your audience will help you manage your nerves and adequately prepare.
For example, if you are demonstrating safe diving techniques to a group of kids at diving camp, you probably won't be very calm. But, you don't have to be worried or stressed either! You can be energetic during your presentation and have a lot of fun at the same time!
And, if your hands are a little shaky as you speak? Well, that is absolutely no big deal. It just means you have some extra energy to give to your audience!
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Nerves can seem like your enemy. But, if you shift your focus from feeling nervous to developing the right kind of energy, you'll see that there are no real threats in public speaking. Only opportunities.
The next time you are speaking in front of a crowd, channel the right energy so that you can leave the impact that you intended for your audience.
Are you ready to ditch those nerves and replace them with excitement? Send me a message and give me a HELL YES!
