Stage fright is natural. Actually good, so long as you harness those nerves to your advantage. Nerves give you an edge of energy and focus. Adrenaline’s gushing (along with lots of other chemicals) and you’re acutely present. A presence your audience will embrace.
Carol Burnett discusses the important role nerves can play in her book, This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection. She confesses that she is typically nervous on stage. But once when upon getting great reviews for a particular Broadway show she bought into her own press and began to get too comfortable. I’m going to be just fine, she thought.
Then the frequency of audience laughter decreased. Laughs she did elicit were shorter in duration. Applause less enthusiastic. She realized she’d lost her edge.
A bit of being on edge keeps us at the top of our presentation game. And in good company.
Elvis reportedly vomited before most shows, yet he was “The King” on stage. Barbara Streisand suffers stage fright such that she took an extended hiatus between tours.
Nervous? Great! Just harness those jitters!
One tactic is to know that speaking is not about you. Our fears typically bubble over when we’re focused on self. They may not like me. They may not agree with me. They are judging me. When I shift my focus to where it belongs (audience), such alone alleviates some of the pressure.
Realize, too, that they don’t expect perfection, only that you be effective.
Therefore, prepare, prepare, prepare. Even if you’re not the most gifted presenter, preparation makes up for a lack of talent. If you’re the most prepared, you’re going to present confidently, regardless of how you quiver like Don Knotts on the inside.
Seize every opportunity to present to an audience. Whenever. Wherever. The more you’re upfront, the more “under control” you’re going to get.
And breathe, for Heaven’s sake! Many times when nervous, we unconsciously hold our breath and/or breathe shallowly. Deep breaths bring about physiological peace and calm. You will also better project your voice, which travels on air.
Finally, put public speaking in proper perspective. As one mentor early in my law practice said often, “Son, no one is shooting at you.” (Gary Werley received two Purple Hearts for battle in Vietnam. Thanks, Gary, for both your service and advice!)
© 2015 Russ Riddle. All rights reserved.