Before a high-stakes presentation, nerves are not the problem. Unmanaged nerves are.

The adrenaline that pumps in the body when we feel a little nervous gives an energy that can sharpen our thinking, lift our presence, and bring urgency to our message—if we know how to work with it.

The goal isn’t to eliminate nerves, it’s to harness them. Any performer who performs the same programme night after night will tell you that the day they feel no nerves at all is the day they know the performance won’t be as good. 

Of course, we need to get our heart rate under control, and for this we need breath-work. (See this post for an exercise to get your breathing and heart rate under control, and reset the parasympathetic nervous system).

Once you’ve got your breathing and heart rate under control, it’s time to address your mindset. If you’re worrying about whether you’ll be able to get your message across, or whether you’ll forget something. Remind yourself that it’s not about you! It’s about your audience and their need to understand your message. Keep your mind on their needs and you’ll get your message over successfully.

Now it’s time to reinterpret the nervous collywobbles you’re feeling. After all the preparation and thought you’ve put into this talk, what you’re now experiencing is the effect of adrenaline kicking in to help you under pressure.

So next time you’re speaking in public and feeling a little nervous, instead of cursing that feeling of ‘edgy nervousness’, welcome it and the adrenaline that comes with it — they’ll help keep you on your toes delivering at your best.

 

#HighStakesCommunication #ExecutivePresence #PublicSpeaking #ConfidenceUnderPressure #Leadership

 

Based in Leytonstone, London, UK, Julia Caddick is a dynamic Leadership Voice and Communication coach, working in person and online worldwide.