Overcoming Stage Fright
April 2007
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Dear Patrick,

It can happen to the best of us, and it strikes when you least expect it: Stage Fright.

Whether our goal is to inform the audience, to tell a moving story, or to inspire them to action, too often we fail miserably. We stagger to the front of the room, heart pounding so loud we could swear it will burst. Forehead sweating, knees shaking, nervous stomach churning, we stammer and stutter and mumble our way through the torture of giving our presentation.

Robert Frost said it best: "The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment we get up in the morning and doesn't stop until we get asked to make a speech."

Don't worry, you're in good company. Fear of public speaking is the #2 most commonly held fear among human beings. It's only exceeded by the Fear of Death. In today's issue, we'll tell you how to face your stage fright demons and to come out ahead!

fear
To overcome your fear of speaking, you need to understand the symptoms and what causes them. Stage fright covers a wide range of reactions. These are caused by your body's perception of something that YOU perceive as dangerous. The danger is very seldom actually present (unless there's an assassin in the audience). It is totally subjective and controllable. Here are the most common symptoms:
  • butterflies in the stomach
  • excessive sweating
  • heart pounding
  • hands shaking
  • dry mouth
  • lightheadedness
  • going "blank"
  • dizziness

There can be a range of emotions that accompany these physical symptoms, but they're generally a variant of the main culprit: fear. The physiological reaction to fear is to release a big dose of adrenalin, which explains most of the above physical symptoms. Even though there are no lions or tigers or fearsome beasts waiting to eat you for dinner, your mind equates speaking in front of a group with terrible things, and responds accordingly. Worse, the symptoms seem to get worse when you're speaking in front of your boss, your family, your relatives or your co-workers!
audience
There are three major types of Stage Fright. Here they are and how to overcome them:

Nervousness
This is when you're feeling tense, fearful, agitated, and apprehensive. It typically occurs just prior to standing to deliver a speech, or in the first minute or so. Here are some ways to overcome this nervousness:
Try to take the attitude that you're really not making a speech. You're actually having an intimate conversation with some friends, one at a time. To help in this, remember to arrive at the event early and to greet as many people as possible. Later, when you stand to deliver your speech there will be some friendly faces to respond to your smile.

The audience wants you to succeed. They have come to listen to you, and they want to hear what you have to say. You are important enough to be listened to.

You assume that your nervousness shows, but it rarely does. Your heart may be beating furiously, but you're the only one who can hear it. Never call attention to your nervousness or apologize.

Finally, remember to breath deeply and exhale. When we are nervous, we tend to hold our breath and don't breath deeply. We therefore become light-headed and dizzy and lose track of our thoughts!


Anxiety
This is worry that you will be a failure, concern you will not be successful. It tends to be caused from external events causing you to focus excessively upon your own thoughts.
  • Focus your Attention Outward, not inward
  • Get familiar with the room beforehand
  • Smile to individuals in the audience
  • Positive visualization. See your Success!
  • Focus on the value of your message, not mechanics
  • Remember the positive impact you're causing
Lack of Confidence
The primary cause of this is lack of preparation and not enough practice. In last month's newsletter we discussed planning and preparation and how they were critical to your speech. If you have a clear objective and you have practiced your speech, you will be more confident and poised.

  • Preparation (an effective speech well practiced)
  • You are the expert, the audience wants to hear from you
  • Practice with different emotions and tones
  • Warm up your Voice before speaking
  • Start with a Strong Opening
  • Start with Good Energy
  • Connect with the Audience, one at a time
Finally, remember that some of our our most famous orators---among them Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, and John F. Kennedy---were initially terrified of speaking in front of groups. They all took the time to conquer their fears and become great.

And so can you !

To download a FREE copy of our latest booklet, packed with tips to improve your performance, click on "Bui lding Valuable Connections, Inside & Out."

To find out how to improve the performance of your sales organization, to book a speaker, or to schedule presentation skills training, contact the PTM Sales Group (see below).

We'll be happy to arrange for an assessment and make recommendations for improvements.

Sincerely,


Patrick McClure
Connexia Group

phone: (949) 858-0755