Nervous? Hide in Plain Sight

“Never let ‘em see you sweat.” – Anti-perspirant commercial.

Early in this series I am going to give you one of the biggest secrets to overcoming your fear of speaking:  They won’t know you’re nervous if you don’t tell them.  This is great news for you, because you are going to draw attention to your message, and not yourself – see the next blog entry for details.  That means you won’t stand up and say “Oh, I am so nervous”, “I just hate doing this”, or “I’ve never done this before”.

If you did the homework I assigned in the last blog you know how to prep in such a way that you have your speech memorized and at your fingertips.  In the next bog you will learn how to be confident that you message is important to your audience.  For now we will assume that your listeners are interested – they want to hear what you have to say.  Don’t derail that flow of attention by diverting back to your personal circumstance.  No one came to hear about your inner turmoil.  Yes, there are a few tells that might indicate nerves, but they can be minimized.

Are your hands shaking?  Rest one on the podium or use it to hold a notepad or other item that might hold a short speech outline.  Gesture with it.  You might even pass it from hand to hand at times, giving you a chance to steady both hands.
Is your voice wavering?  Pump up the volume.  Put some real force behind it.  

Whatever you do, keep talking.  Get your message across.  

After the first couple of minutes you will find the nerves subside quite a bit, if you have prepared well.  Yes, you will always be a little nervous before every speech you give, but every time you finish strong you will reinforce your belief that you can speak in front of a group.

This entry I am giving you a pass on the homework, but it will be back.  Until then, pick out a favorite joke or fun fact, and tell it in front of the largest group you can find, in the lunchroom, the fellowship hall, or even waiting in line to pay for your groceries.

Let me know in the comments what the result was.