Overcoming Nervousness
Here’s what you can do to overcome nerves before you speak in public.
It is natural to be nervous before a public appearance. Every professional entertainer experiences some kind of “butterflies” before a performance. The symptoms are usually a nervous stomach, perspiring, shifting eyes, death grip on chairs . . .
What can you do about it?
- Practice a few relaxation exercises before you go on – rolling your neck, swinging your arms, stretching.
- Take a deep breath, hold it for three-five seconds, let it out slowly.
- Stand naturally with your feet shoulder-width apart, your hands loose and relaxed. Then shake your hands and arms, letting the vibration work itself into the rest of your body.
- Nervousness adds adrenaline to your system – it can make you sharper and quicker – use it.
- Think of nervousness as a way of ensuring that you are “up” for the presentation.
- The best way to combat nervousness is to come prepared for the situation by knowing your subject matter and the major points you need to make.
Where in the World is Anthony?
;
Gave closing keynote this morning at a conference in Orlando. Social Media Tip 34: Educate yourself on AI Chatbots. A lot of those posts that incense you and make you share them in real life are not created by a human being. We are being manipulated.
Gave keynote this afternoon in Los Angeles. Body Language Tip 9: If you have a habit of swaying or rocking, put 1 foot forward, the other slightly open and perpendicular to it. It'll lock you in place. And watch the swivel chairs in virtual calls!
Speaking this week in California and Florida. Presenting tip number 1: Secret to wowing any audience is VARIETY: in voice, movement, pace, gestures, visuals, interaction, etc. Mix it up and stop being boring!
Spent the day in Ft Wayne, Indiana speaking at a construction-industry leadership academy. Presenting tip 22: Frenetic movement when presenting is bad (think 'caged tiger'). Instead, slowly ebb and flow like the tide, picking spots to stop and pause along the way.
Spent the day in Indianapolis working with an electrical contractor. Negotiation tip 33: Don't mirror your opponent's demeanor, especially if the tone/questions are negative.