A friend of mine used to get nervous a lot and shared this great tip with me, which helped her overcome the problem immediately. I tried this simple idea myself, when I first started public speaking and it worked for me too.
It’s all about how the power of words can change the way we feel.
Nervous or excited – You choose!
Have you ever noticed that many of the feelings you get when you are nervous are quite similar to the feelings you get when you are excited? For example, in both cases you often; can’t eat, can’t sleep and get fidgety etc. However, one big difference, is that when we are excited, we are far, far more resourceful than when we are nervous.
When we are excited, people sense our excitement. When we are nervous, people sense our nervousness too, which can make them feel nervous or uncertain about us.
This is not great, if we are hoping to make a positive impression.
From nervous to excited
What she did, was replace the word nervous, with the word excited; when she spoke to herself or other people about whatever had (previously) been making her feel nervous. So, instead of saying; “I’m really nervous about meeting those prospective clients tomorrow.” She would say; “I’m really excited about meeting those prospective clients tomorrow.” This positive self-talk changes the way you feel.
In my experience, the more you focus on the feelings associated with being excited about that important meeting / interview / whatever, the better it works.
Give it a try!
A great little post. Am familiar with the tactic and it really does work so well done for letting people know about it!
Thanks Barney!
This is an awesome perspective because to be honest…I panic a lot. This is similar to the principle I use when playing solos in band – be excited and anticipate what it will sound like, and then freak out when you’ve already played it, haha.
Thanks for being so open with your comment Corey. Whilst different things work for different people, the only way to really know if a new strategy will work for you is to try it.
That’s why I love the idea of sharing ideas – and why I write this blog.
Nice tip, Jim
In my experience, the old ‘nervous-excited’ word switcheroo is very effective.
The other tip that helped those pre-keynote speech butterflies ‘fly in formation’ was given to me by my speaking coach. Again, it’s an oldy but a goody. He helped me convert nerves into positive energy – in this case laughter, by imagining my audience naked.
It sounds silly but is surprisingly effective. There’s been many a time when I’ve stood up at a conference and done a quick nud-scan. It’s always helped me break into a huge confident smile before speaking. One of my most memorable introductions was to a community group of Senior Citizens. (Don’t go there).
Great to have the chance to join in on your new blog.
Best to you, Jim
Robin
Thanks for the comment Robin.
I know that the approach you mentioned works for a LOT of people, not only when public speaking but also when faced with an important meeting or interview.
Thanks for sharing. The more great ideas here, the better.
Robin – “fly in formation” – love it!
Good advice Jim, as always. Simple, but effective.
Thanks!
Thanks, Scott, it’s a great image isn’t it? Robin