Welcome to a new series of posts about dealing with nerves when you have to speak in public.

Fear of public speaking is something that affects so many people. I’ve had to deal with it myself throughout my life, and if I’m honest, it’s an ongoing process. It is a decision you have to make every single time you stand up to present.

The Physical Reality of Nerves

We all know that feeling, don’t we?

• Your heart is pounding so hard it feels like it’s risen up into your throat.
• For some, it feels like everything shuts off.
• You know what you should do with your breathing, but it feels like you just can’t breathe.
• The adrenaline can make you sweat, and I’ve even known people who feel like they might physically throw up.

These are very real, very intense physical symptoms.

Four Strategies For Overcoming Nerves

The great news is that there is a lot we can do about it! In this series, I’m going to break down the solution into four main areas:

1. Mindset: Shifting how you view the audience and the task.
2. Physical Calming: Techniques to quiet those “fight, flight, or freeze” symptoms.
3. Physical Confidence: How to carry yourself to actually feel more empowered.
4. Performance Control: Ensuring that even if nerves are ticking over in the background, they don’t negatively impact your delivery.

That is what I’ll be covering in the coming entries. I look forward to you joining me on this journey!

 

Based in Leytonstone, London, UK, Julia Caddick is a dynamic voice and presentation coach with over 30 years of experience in music, theatre, and communication. She helps business leaders, teams, and individuals present themselves and their ideas with clarity, authenticity and impact — both in person and online.