Public Speaking:

Does Stage Fright Have a Grip on You?

By Miriam Goldsmith

Nobody has ever died from stage fright or speaking in public but surveys and studies show that many people would rather die than speak in public!

You can be a powerful confident communicator even if you're shy or feel nervous to speak in front of people. One of the first steps to mastering the art of public speaking is to be well prepared and to get a lot of practice.

Have you ever had any of these symptoms before or during speaking to a group?
Dry mouth, tight throat, clammy hands, shaky hands, queasy stomach, faster heart beat, shaky knees, a sense of dread? Can you think of more?? Well, you are not alone. In fact, many of the most successful performers and public speakers in the world get stage fright, so you are in good company. I have my own theories of why the phenomenon is so universal. One of them being that very few of us got a whole lot of encouragement to speak our mind, our feelings, our opinions, our beliefs or to express our real authentic selves when we were growing up. Consequently, we feel very exposed when we are put (or we put ourselves) on the spot to be watched and listened to by people who may judge or reject us. O.K. Enough psychology!

You can learn to manage and even master this phenomenon called "Stage Fright" or "Performance Anxiety". But the first thing you must accept is this: You can't MAKE the symptoms go away!! Go ahead try it! In fact, you will find that the more you try, the worse it gets. So, what CAN you do? There are a few things that are helpful to remember and several strategies used alone or in combination that with practice will help you look and sound and ultimately BE confident and in command when you are in the throws of stage fright symptoms. And remember, although with public speaking practice the stage fright may lessen, more than likely, if you've been "afflicted", it won't ever go away completely. This, I believe is a GREAT THING!

1st to remember - Usually stage fright is "anticipatory" and will go away after the first minute or two of your presentation. In the hours and moments prior to a potentially stressful speaking situation, you can use the experience to help you prepare.

2nd - Those symptoms you feel in your body are just "energy". And a little adrenalin thrown in for good measure. And can be used to your advantage. If you are not familiar with these sensations or, if at first you register them as discomfort and you think they are "bad", than you will resist them like crazy. This causes a constriction in your body that will actually make you look like you're afraid. And your focus will not be on your presentation, but rather on trying to get rid of your stage fright. Your audience will pick this up right away and will respond accordingly. The last thing you want to do is to look and sound scared or unsure of yourself in any speaking situation (unless of course you are acting a part which requires you to look scared and unsure of yourself)! Here's the great paradox:: When you feel the surge of energy, (the symptom) wherever it may manifest, if you "allow" and welcome the energy to be there, you will actually appear

more enthusiastic, more in control, your senses will sharpen, your skin will take on a healthy glow and you will exude an energy that will attract others to you. You will not look as self conscious as you feel. You are being genuine, authentic and real and more in a position to focus on what's important: Connection with your audience, and saying what you want to say in a way that will make a difference and will have the impact you intend.

This is definitely easier said than done which is why being coached and lots of practice are 2 of the most important strategies to being an authentic, confident speaker.

Here are some strategies that will get you on your way: Not everything works for everyone, but with trial and error and a lot of practice, you'll find your own recipe for success.

Visualization strategies that can be used any time

One of the most successful strategies sport psychologists teach winning athletes is to visualize over and over the win, the perfect stroke, the perfect swing, the perfect play, the conquering of "the wall" for runners. Before the game.

Imagine your audience listening, laughing, and applauding.
Imagine the desired outcome of your talk or presentation.
Visualize yourself chatting and laughing with a group of friends with whom you feel very much at home.
Visualize yourself doing something that you have already mastered.
Picture the audience in their underwear. Or if you really want to be bold, picture them naked!

Strategies in advance

Be extremely well prepared.
Join a Toastmasters or other speaking club, workshop or class for extra practice.
Remember your purpose.
Know in advance who your audience will be. Do the research.
Anticipate hard questions or challenges to what you say.
Organize your speaking notes and put them on index cards or
Prepare visuals and props to use in your presentation that will also act as notes for you to follow. (This is a healthy crutch as well as something to keep your audience attentive)
Memorize your opening statement.
Practice, practice, practice OUT LOUD!
Practice listening.
Get into some kind of body awareness program like yoga, weight training, pillates, dance, marshal arts. They will help you learn to be grounded and relaxed, physically conditioned and comfortable in your own skin.
Get individual or group public speaking coaching.

Strategies when you begin to speak

If your legs are trembling, remember gravity and feel your feet on the floor.
If you are using a microphone, try not to hold it by hand in the first minute.
Don't hold notes. The audience can see them shake. Use three-by-five cards instead.
Take quick drinks of room temperature water.
Make eye contact. It will instantly connect you.
Find the friendliest faces in the room and speak directly to them.
Move around the room feeling the floor underneath your feet.
Use hand gestures keeping your body from being stiff.

Strive always to be your best authentic self!
Enjoy the challenge! Good luck and have fun!