Stage Fright
Have you ever been nervous or afraid of giving a public speech, such as a wedding toast, a work presentation, or a speech for a fund-raising event? Or maybe you are not a public speaker, but do you find yourself getting nervous when you have a meeting with your boss or a senior manager at work? Have you ever experienced stage fright and felt frozen, struggling to find the right words in the middle of your speech?
If you have felt that twinge of nervousness or experienced a tidal wave of fear wash over you just before an important event, you are not alone. Speaking in public is a huge fear for most people. It triggers our “fight or flight” response during moments of stress. Another big fear is freezing up or being at a loss for words just before or during a public presentation. This fear of public speaking is also known as stage fright, and most of us experience this kind of fear. Being nervous is part of public speaking.
Stand and Deliver
Stand and Deliver: The Dale Carnegie Method for Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and Nightingale Conant.
Dale Carnegie resources are superb in helping you improve in the area of communication. Stand and Deliver provides thorough coaching throughout the process of public speaking, from the creation to the delivery of your presentation.
For Dale Carnegie, all communication, either oral or written, is a form of public speaking. Even if you spend most of your time communicating through email or other forms of writing, your written voice is still a public voice. Do you every find yourself nervous in writing an email to an important executive? The fear can be as strong as stage fright just before a speech.
The reality is that most of us get nervous about giving a public presentation. Fear is a natural part of the process. The goal is to channel this nervous energy in a positive way.
In reading and listening to Stand and Deliver, I learned four key elements about dealing with stage fright. These are practical tips that can help channel the nervous energy in a positive manner and lessen the weight of fear that paralyzes you. Here are the four things needed to help you manage fear and keep it in perspective. (From Chapter 3, Stand and Deliver by Dale Carnegie)
Desire
First, a strong desire to speak and connect with others. Have enthusiasm for the opportunity to speak and connect with an audience. Authentic public speaking is about a deep connection with the listeners. It is also about being yourself when delivering a presentation. Allow your passion to carry you through any nervousness.
Knowledge
Second, a thorough knowledge of the topic. Prepare your material, and thoroughly know the content on what you are going to talk about in your speech. Not only memorize your speech, but know your material by heart so you can speak from your heart.
Confidence
Third, confidence. Actions and feelings go together. Act as if you are already brave and confident in your public speaking skills. Act as if you already have the courage to speak wholeheartedly to your audience. There is truth in the cliché, “fake it ‘till you make it.” Act with courage.
Practice
Fourth, practice, practice, practice. Rehearsal and practice are the key essentials to managing fear when speaking in public. Fear comes from lack of confidence, and lack of confidence comes from lack of practice. Rehearsal of your speech builds confidence and keeps fear in perspective. Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes progress towards getting better, allowing you to harness your fear in a positive way.
Process
A deep desire to connect with others. A comprehensive knowledge of your topic. Confidence. Practice. These four techniques help me in managing my own fear and nervousness whenever I give a speech, a presentation, or even direct a choir as a volunteer activity. There is nothing wrong with being nervous. In fact, I would be more concerned if I was not afraid or nervous. The goal is to control the stage fright and not let it control you.
Public speaking is a process that is never complete. There are learning insights and opportunities for growth after each and every presentation.
What techniques help you manage your nervousness or stage fright?
What have your learned about yourself in the process?
I welcome your comments.
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