Breaking news! We never really overcome the fear of speaking. It’s normal to feel nervous going up on stage, and we all feel it to some degree. What we CAN do, is learn to manage our nervousness, and project confidence in its place. Here, our Coach shares some secrets on how he manages his nerves.
1. Grounding Techniques
Before presenting, we may feel butterflies in our stomach. We suddenly feel overwhelmed and performance anxiety sets in. In these situations, it’s always beneficial to have a grounding routine to regain control. For some professional sports players, this entails listening to their favourite song to calm their nerves before the game. For our Coach, he takes a deep breaths before starting presentations, which aids in relaxing the nerves and reducing stress.
2. Imagine yourself as the boss of the room
We frequently fret over how we’re perceived by others, which is why we nit-pick our presentations. We always want to present our best qualities and plan ahead, but doing so often leads us to be overly critical of ourselves for not getting everything PERFECT! We may eventually crumble under pressure, and in the worst-case scenario, it happens while we’re presenting. The key is to have a positive mindset and believe that we are in charge of the space. Yes, you are presenting to an audience, but keep in mind that they are listening to you, which essentially puts them at your mercy. Your audience must wait until you’re ready to continue. Your audience follow your lead. You don’t have to be afraid of your audience since they are there to hear you out. You are in charge, never forget that!
3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, just come back stronger!
As previously mentioned, We tend to over-prepare and falter when faced with the pressure of needing a perfect presentation. We may end up freezing on stage or fumbling our words, appearing extremely nervous. This is a result of our overemphasis on perfection, when in reality, making mistakes is absolutely normal. The ability to pick oneself up after making mistakes is the most crucial component of being a confident speaker. This gives us a polished appearance as we conduct ourselves with grace.
4. Communicating using body language
When we feel fear, it often presents curling up, making ourselves smaller, avoiding eye contact. Projecting confidence is all about being comfortable (or tricking yourself into it). By practicing open body language, you can make more space for yourself and trick your brain into thinking you’re more confident than you actually are. As a result, you feel far more at ease and self-assured. This is a result of the brain producing more testosterone and lowering your cortisol levels. Some open body language to adopt would be looking up at your audience, raising the hands but never folding your arms, standing shoulder-width apart, and as simple as smiling.
Confidence, like a performance, can sometimes be genuine or an act. What truly matters is how well we project it to our audience. With the tips we’ve shared, we hope that you’ve learnt to manage your nervousness and project confidence whenever you step on the big stage for presentations. We wish you all the best!
CONTACT US
Have you been looking to improve the way you deliver your speeches and become an expert in the art of presentation? The knowledgeable voice instructors that make up our team are here to assist you. We provide individualized coaching sessions that are geared to your specific requirements, and throughout these sessions, you will be equipped with the tools and strategies necessary to speak more effectively and with more complete assurance. Your journey is one that we are here to help, whether you are getting ready for a public speaking event, trying to better your professional communication, or simply looking to perfect your vocal performance. Get in touch with us right away to acquire additional information regarding our services and to arrange a consultation. Take advantage of our assistance in making every word count!
