
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 opening conference keynote this afternoon in Las Vegas. Social media tip 8: Sometimes less is more. Go on vacation. Don't post. Have real-world interactions with strangers. It'll make you a more interesting person and help with small talk.
Gave opening keynote this morning in St. Louis. Team presenting tip 7: Know in advance who will address specific topics or questions in Q&A. Be prepared!
Spoke today at two different events in Phoenix. Crisis tip 17: Don't do news interviews directly in front of the crisis scene. The news media want to show you in front of the "trainwreck." Resist!
Spoke in Ohio the past three days. Crisis communications tip 3: There are 12 audiences to communicate to in a crisis. Employees are no. 1 on the list.
Spoke at two events today in and around Austin, Texas. Tip 112: ChatGPT (and other AI) now makes everyone a great writer. So the future of differentiation in the workplace and marketplace will be VERBAL communications. Are you and your company prepared to TALK in this new world?