If you are a newcomer to the speaking profession, then chances are you'll be experiencing some excitement, anticipation, nervousness, or anxiety. Recognise these feelings for what they are, accept it, deal with it to the best of your ability, and move on.
Deal with these challenges ASAP. Feelings start to magnify the more you think about what has gone wrong in the past or what can go wrong in the future.
Preparation is good. Analysis paralysis is not so good.
Public speakers who shy away from dealing with their nervousness, won't progress as quickly as speakers who self-reflect and take the necessary actions.
This self-regulation leads you to focus on being conscious of your message, and then on your audience, instead of being self-conscious.
Reflections:
- How have your past failures affected your present thinking about speaking in public?
- How concerned are you that others are judging you?
- Do you fear looking foolish in a crowd?
- Will your audience find this interesting?
- Do you feel intimidated by some people?
There are many considerations…
As they say, "Attention flows where energy goes."
Negative thoughts and feelings create more anxiousness, which can escalate to a fear of public speaking.
In this state it's natural for the body to react the way it does; dry mouth, quickening heartbeat, and perhaps sweaty palms.
When you challenge yourself with some self-inquiry, you will get to the root causes of your anxiety and can then address them accordingly.
Self-awareness and regulating your thoughts, feelings, and behavior will serve you and your speaking career well.
This is a process of self-discovery and it doesn't happen overnight.
Considerations in preparation
Leading up to the day of your talk
If you are stressed, make sure you deal with your tension every day so that you are fully rejuvenated and recharged by the next morning.
Be conscious of being present from the moment you wake up. If you're worried or anxious you must be thinking about the past or about the future. That is an indication you're not fully present because you were in your mind. Not here. In reality.
Carrying old baggage depletes your energy, so let go of the thoughts, feelings, and actions that do not serve you. Do what's in front of you.
On the day of your speech
Before you're about to speak, take some time-out to;
- Get into the zone.
- Be clear about the presence you are wanting to convey.
- Get into the state required for your specific talk.
- Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the task at hand.
- Generally, we want to be calm and have clarity of thought.
Hydrate to communicate optimally
Ensure you're hydrated so that the synaptic nerves in your brain are connecting optimally, which reduces stress.
Have water (room temperature or warm) with you during your speech to moisten your mouth when you need to.
Utilise your breath
Bring your body and mind to a calm state, with the use of your breath. There are many different breathing exercises depending on your specific state at the time. Generally, a good breath for balance is to breathe in for 4 counts, and out for 4.
Be present and purposeful.
When you bring all aspects of your being together to collaborate, that's when you're at your most powerful.
Remind yourself of your intention and how you see yourself being under the spotlight.
Use your time and energy wisely. Focus on a victorious path forward.
Hope these self-reflections and guidelines assist you.
Best wishes,
Chantaul
Ps. Let me know how it goes and what is working for you.
