| All the talk about eliminating your nervousness, putting | | | | was paid thousands of dollars per performance and |
| a stop to nervousness, or defeating your nervousness, | | | | yet she admitted to being nervous. |
| misses the boat on one basic fundamental: | | | | In my opinion, the best means for controlling |
| nervousness is a bonus. It can give you an edge | | | | nervousness is to learn to breathe with the support of |
| that is an asset if you learn how to control it. | | | | your diaphragm. In doing so, you will find that your |
| Early in my career, one of my clients disagreed with | | | | upper body is relaxed while experiencing that |
| me about that statement. This woman, who was | | | | wonderful rush of adrenaline. And that is what can |
| marketing herself as a professional speaker, had been | | | | give you an edge. That is what can make your |
| in business for 2 years. Had I been quicker in my | | | | delivery more dynamic, more exhilarating. |
| response, I might have pointed out that she had had | | | | Unfortunately, not only are most people lazy or shallow |
| only 3 guest speaking engagements in those 2 | | | | breathers, but at the lectern, they never even think to |
| years. In my opinion, her lack of nervousness was | | | | breathe, which creates breathlessness. So I find |
| the reason for her few invitations. | | | | that for these people, their shallow breathing increases |
| The secret is to exploit your nervousness, allowing it to | | | | their stress; their nervousness adds to their stress; and, |
| work for you and not against you and that is only | | | | their breathlessness (caused by lack of air) further |
| possible if you learn how to control it. For many | | | | aggravates their stress. Bottom line in this case is |
| people, nervousness is controlling them; thus, they have | | | | stress caused by both poor and lack of breathing |
| no control over their delivery. They spit out their | | | | which increases nervousness. |
| words as quickly as possible and thus are not | | | | One of my former clients was scheduled to speak at |
| communicating with their audience. Essentially they | | | | a conference to several hundred realtors. This |
| are talking at them instead of to them. | | | | well-spoken lawyer was so frantic that he stammered |
| Because of this lack of control, these same people | | | | when he explained his upcoming engagement to me. |
| wrongly believe that the answer is to eliminate their | | | | I worked with this man on two occasions. The day |
| nervousness. I do not agree. | | | | arrived; he breathed; and, he gave a wonderful |
| All great performers, musicians, singers, athletes and | | | | presentation. In fact, he enjoyed the experience so |
| public speakers are nervous. No matter how many | | | | much that he phoned immediately upon his closing to |
| times they have performed, they experience | | | | share his success with me. Here was a man that a |
| nervousness. According to NHL lore, Glenn Hall, | | | | week prior had stammered just thinking about his |
| considered by some to be the best hockey goalie | | | | upcoming engagement! |
| ever, vomited before each game. | | | | Stop looking to eliminate your nervousness by means |
| Some years ago I saw an interview with the | | | | of quick tips or tricks and instead learn to breathe. |
| world-renowned contralto Maureen Forrester. The | | | | Not only will you discover a marvelous control over |
| subject of this 60 Minutes program was | | | | your delivery at the lectern but you will also notice a |
| nervousness. When asked if she ever wished she | | | | reduction in the stress in your life, both professionally |
| had been a stay-at-home mom, Ms. Forrester | | | | and personally. |
| answered that every time she walked on stage she | | | | Nervousness is a good thing if you allow it to work for |
| wished she was a stay-at-home mom! This woman | | | | you and not against you! |