Question 1

What are 8 Ways to Harness Nervousness when Speaking?

Accepted Answer

Researchers have attempted to solve the riddle of how intense speaker anxiety is consistently underestimated by such a large number of people observing it. In 1959, Theodore Clevenger first observed that speaker-reported and audience-observed anxiety operates at low levels of interdependence. Since then, a number of investigators have confirmed Clevenger’s observation. Studies conducted in 1987, 1990, 1992, and 1996 have substantiated the tendency for audiences to miss anxiety states reported by speakers.

Question 2

What is an 8-step process that will help you harness adrenaline and nervousness when speaking in public?

Accepted Answer

Know your material inside and out. Submerge your psyche in it so you can be conversational. Use bullets but don’t rely on notes. If you memorize anything, memorize your opening lines so you can say them without thinking. This will help you push through the “adrenaline wall,” which happens in the first 30 seconds. Welcome Your MOJO. Watch for the adrenaline to show up and don’t let it surprise you. Determine how adrenaline manifests for you—butterflies, palpitations, or racing thoughts—and begin to expect these symptoms as a natural prelude to speaking. As soon as the symptoms show up, say to yourself, “Oh, good. My MOJO is here!” It’s true! When you harness adrenaline, you command the room. Why would you want to resist this power? The challenge is not overcoming nervousness, it is turning fear into energy before you begin over-thinking the process. Breathe. Breathe slowly through your nose, from the diaphragm. Breathwork is worthy of your attention. See “Breathing Exercises” below. Engage one person at a time. Have a “mini conversation” with each person as you look about the room. This kind of audience connection helps you focus on your message. If you try to see the entire room it creates a surreal experience of speaking to no one. Move. A surge of adrenaline can be very uncomfortable if you are nailed to the floor. Disperse the extra energy by moving with purpose. If you’re in a big room, walk from one side to the other. This doesn’t mean you should stroll constantly. Take intentional steps and stop between steps long enough for folks to connect. Take control. Practice pulling yourself out of self-consciousness. When you feel yourself disconnect, gently focus and bring yourself back in to the room. Show up in your shoes and transmit your message to listeners. Say something directly to an individual in the group, as though you are the only two in the room. Tether yourself back into the moment. It takes practice but you can do it. Practice. If the idea fits, consider Toastmasters International for the sheer practice of getting on your feet. Successive successful experiences will give you command. Watch yourself on video. The rush of adrenaline does not mean you aren’t doing a good job. People generally don’t believe this until they see a video of themselves (which is why we include video in our training courses). It is amazing that the effects of this performance anxiety—this heightened energy—are hidden from the audience. As viewers and listeners, we see only a fraction of the symptoms; and once you relax into a conversation, we don’t even remember them. See “The Riddle of Intense Speaker Anxiety” below.

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