Nerves come in many forms and can affect us at the most inopportune moments. We want to say something in a meeting, or we are about to do a performance, or that end-of-semester exam we have studied the last fortnight … the list of things in which nerves play their part is endless. And the trick they tell us is taking advantage of nervous energy.
I have often used Dr. Rob Gilbert’s quote,
“It’s okay to have butterflies in your stomach, just make them fly in formation.”
So let’s recognize that this is the goal: to get our butterflies flying in formation and really give us a performance edge rather than ruin the show entirely. It’s okay to have a goal, but that won’t get us there. We need a practical method or process to do that.
Maybe it’s a mute point, but I think everyone needs to find their own process through trial and error … so the best basic attitude is one of courage.
Courage is variously defined as strength of mind and will in the face of danger, opposition, and difficulties (in short, fear). It is facing the tough challenge in a constructively resilient way. Being brave is not about lack of fear. Fear is part of the mix. He is working with it. He is taking advantage of it.
Here are four (4) tips to help butterflies fly in formation:
1. Focus on the importance of what we have to say: most people speak or need to speak in public because they have something important to say. You are probably in your public speaking role because you represent a greater concern: people who trust you and your leadership. It’s amazing to have this responsibility while others look up to you to do something bold, something that they may not be able to do. Stay positive with it.
2. Focus on the needs of the listeners: these people need to hear what you have to say, right? You know it, but they don’t know it yet. You could try visualizing the people listening to you and their edified response. We must believe that what we say is for the benefit of the listener. If it helps, write down three (3) points why they need the information and focus and meditate on them. Doing this could possibly help at a time during your talk or presentation when self-confidence evaporates without warning. You are doing this for them and their needs.
3. Ignore the record (your conscience) of your nerves: most people will not be able to tell that they are nervous if they do not give in to their nerves. This is where being brave is most important. Your nerves will really work for you and give you a positive presence if you go through them with courage. Almost every good speaker gets nervous; starting a little nervous is forgivable, don’t worry about it. Stay positive with yourself and with your body language.
4. Preparation is the key: there is no substitute for good preparation. Know what you need to say, in what order it should be said, and if possible, practice your expression. Practice it long enough to master it. In this way you open your energies, keeping them available, to simply deliver your message; the technical details, that is, your information and media, should not consume any of your thoughts at this late stage. Trust your preparation. Do not doubt your preparation. And don’t make any last minute changes unless you can easily fix them.
I remember the first time I preached with some kind of confidence and positive emotion that moved a congregation. While I am not an experienced preacher by any means, I have spoken in public enough (professionally) to know what works for me and what doesn’t. This trip was a lot of trial and error; and failure before success, I might add.
If we don’t give up, we will master it. It is a fact. Believing … in yourself is the key.
It is the best feeling when you leave the stage having nailed the speech, sermon, speech or presentation.
Copyright 2008, SJ Wickham. All rights reserved throughout the world.