Shaking in Your Boots and Why That is a Good Thing

Public speaking, which I thoroughly enjoy, is the source of great fear for many people.  There are all kinds of concerns that make the butterflies started fluttering in the stomach, from the appropriate dress for the presentation, to being able to connect the dots as the presentation is being made and how best to open and close remarks.  There is also a fear of what people will think of you as you present and whether you and your thoughts will be accepted.

The blog for the next several installments is going to focus on this area of life that causes so much consternation for people because it need not.  In fact, being scared, uncertain, antsy, or worried about speaking in public I believe can actually help you become a better public speaker.

Nervousness has two courses it can take in a speaker.  It can freeze them in their tracks because the speaker dwells so much on being scared they cannot concentrate on their remarks to the audience.  The result is a lousy presentation which also reinforces the negative experience associated with public speaking making the next one just as difficult.

The other course is actually one of motivation.  I have been speaking for well over a decade and to this day I still get a little nervous before I am introduced and suddenly I am"on."  But over these years it became apparent to me that in order for me to make a killer of a presentation I had to rise above those fears. So now, when a butterfly starts flittering in my stomach, a leg starts to quiver or I find myself wringing my hands as the inroduction begins, I mentally focus on being on top of those fears.  If I am on top of them, there is no way they can affect me.  So I am actually using fear as an assets to making a great presentation.

The butterflies become less and less as time goes on and you do become more comfortable being in front of people and talking to them because each time allow for a little more practice.  I know I am a heck of a lot better as a speaker now than I was ten years ago.  You will be too as time goes on.

Next Tuesday, the 4-2-1 approach to preparing for a presentation and what to do on the day of your remarks.

Be Well!