hey! well i dont know if you'd be willing to try my method. its a little over the top, and well, thats the point.
okay. to start it off with a story. i was going into college music major and i was auditioning for various judges to get into the music school (i had to first get into the university, and then separately apply for the music schools). My main instrument was voice. I get nervous. Vocalists who get nervous have a tough time of it, because they need full command of their bodies to breath properly.
anyway, my very first audition i fainted in front of the judges i was so nervous. But i sang anyway. of course i didn't impress them, but the point im trying to make is...feeling what the worst possible failure is like, i went the very next day to another college...and i tell you i never had such a light hearted professional performance since!...knowing what the worst possible reality at hand could feel like, makes it easier for you to walk up on that stage. Why? because A) you've already faced the worst of it and B) you now have the opportunity to get better for a crowd that WANTS you to succeed and C) now you can look forward to the best of it.
im not suggesting you fail. Im saying looking at that best and worst case scenario, roll play it in your head (and be real...dont let it get out of control), and then just do it. I think you will find the less preparation time you give yourself, the less anxiety you build up. so if given the opportunity to speak earlier than later...speak earlier!
there is also the key issue of being easy on yourself. so what if you fumble a lil? you are human, and no one else opted to do this, so really...you got one on them. this is for yourself and no one else!
some tips:
give your hands something to do.
lots of anxiety is caused because you dont know what to do with your hands. make an easy decision of it...use your hands to emphasize what you are saying. as a singer, they had me hold my hands to my side at first. once i had technique down, they encouraged using my hands to relax my body and pull my emotions out and draw the people into the music. it gos the same for an orator. dont go overboard...but giving your hands a job will make you a lot less self conscious and fidgety looking.
do not touch your face or your hair, people will know you are nervous and it will make you more nervous doing these things
have your hair back,
look at peoples' foreheads and not into their eyes (eyes are only for when you are practiced enough).
make sure your knees are shoulder length apart and relaxed, slightly bent. you want relaxed posture, that opens you to your audience...and not one that cuts off from your circulation!
avoid caffeine in the days right before a speech. caffeine makes anxiety worse and messes with your sleep patterns. try to avoid a lot of processed sugar too. do not drink milk for the morning, dont eat anything too rich either; these things coat your throat and make it hard to speak. clearing your throat, au contraire, makes it worse.
never apologize or drop a joke on yourself in front of the audience. why do that to yourself? instead if you want to connect with your audience smile and use friendly body language and thank the audience for coming.
before you get on stage, tell yourself a joke, laugh a little, try to get your mind off of the source of anxiety. you are over the preparation period, now all you can do is enjoy yourself and go for the ride. why not be relaxed doing it? remind yourself, what are the reasons why you are doing this. Do you love what you do? Are you promoting a cause you believe in? Is this a growing process for you; are you shy usually? in this case, deciding an obstacle wont hold you back is incredibly empowering.
take a moment, and relax your face.
and then your neck.
and then your shoulders.
"everything will be ok" no matter what happens!!!!! (IMG:
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Nervousness And Confidence Issues.
Jayakanth Nervousness And Confidence Issues. Jul 7 2008, 02:20 AM
Jul 7 2008, 02:20 AM
