DEALING WITH NERVOUSNESS

We've all heard that the fear of death is second only to the fear of public speaking.
- Also known as stage fright, anxiety, “butterflies in your stomach”
- It is normal to feel nervous before doing something important in public.
- 76% of experienced speakers have stage fright before taking the floor.

“The difference between the professionals and the novices is that the professionals have trained the butterflies to fly in a straight line”

- Edwin Newman


WHY DO YOU FEEL NERVOUS?

 Your body is responding as it would to any stressful situation – by producing adrenaline.

Your body responds to stressful events (e.g., speeches, interviews, first dates, arguments with your spouse) in the same way it responds to physical danger. Your body springs into action preparing you for fight or for flight.




SYMPTOMS OF NERVOUSNESS

- heartbeat increases
- hands shaking
- sweaty palms
- sweating
- shaky voice
- dry throat
- dizziness
- muscle tension
- flushed skin
- constipated


There are three ways to deal with nervousness:

- Expect it
- Accept it
- Manage it


MANAGE NERVOUSNESS

1. Acquire speaking experience
2. Prepare, prepare, prepare
3. Remember that you will not die of public speaking. No one ever has!
4. Use the power of visualization
5. Realize that 90% of nervousness doesn't even show
6. Don’t expect perfection
7. Concentrate on communicating with your audience.
8. Be at your best physically and mentally
9. Use visual aids
10. Take a couple of slow, deep breaths before you start to speak.