Nervousness: Does it work for you or against you?
January 24th, 2009
I think nervousness is wonderful because I am able to control it. Some people would like to end it, stop it, shelve it, or eliminate it. What do you think is the answer?
Being nervous before every Toastmasters speech is a given for me. It was a challenge I was able to answer by practicing something I read. The key for me was to change the word “nervous” to “excited”. Excited has a positive connotation and gives me an entirely different perspective when standing in front of a group. I am excited to be there and it’s working for me!
Monty,
I agree with your comment. There are times I have used the word excited in place of nervous. Good advice.
Yes, you are right.
As a teacher of English as a second language (ESL), I generally use the word ‘challenges’ in place of ‘problems’. Words do make a difference in the way you (your body and mind) respond to a situation.
Best wishes,
Dharmendra.
(India)
Hi Nancy
i thought I would post here as I have just finished my first time at standing up in front of Kindergarten children.Admittedly it was just on half an hour.I found my nerves did get the better of me and I was quite surprised at how my body reacted to the whole situation!In my mind I new it was ok,that mistakes would happen and as I did more lessons There would be improvements.How do you control what I found to be overwhelming nervousness?Not losing the voice or dry mouth just a feeling of apprehension.
On the whole I tried to prepare as best I could,Had notes etc but I found My mind did go blank and I lost it from there.Kindy kids are so forgiving so a great place to learn.
Thanks mo
@mo
Mo,
I am sorry that your experience was so difficult. Certainly practice is helpful, but, I know you would be surprised at how different it would have been were you to learn to breathe with the support of your diaphragm. Everything I teach, regarding improving the sound of the speaking voice and presentation skills, is based on breathing with this support.
Shallow or lazy breathing, which is typical of 99% of the population, actually increases our stress because it does not allow for the elimination of the toxins in the body — deep supported breathing which every mammal on earth employs (except the most intelligent of the mammals!) eliminates those toxins which puts the body in a more relaxed state. It is truly the most amazing stress reducer I know and absolutely the best way to control nervousness in any form of public speaking.
If you would like to see how you are breathing, stand in front of a mirror without your blouse or shirt and take a deep breath. Did your shoulders rise and did you suck in your gut? If so, then you are not doing it right. When you breathe properly, the shoulders do not move and the area below your rib cage expands out — not your upper chest.
Nancy
Hi Nancy
Can breathing really calm you down?.Yes I would say I’m definitely in that 99%.
I would describe my experience as challenging not so much as difficult as I understand I’m learning.Hence I’m here at your blog.Which I appreciate your time and effort that you put in.
To be honest I thought preparation and planning of your time in the class would be more important than breathing.I know I felt I was rushed and said all I had planned in the first 10mins.It is a very strange idea to actually take your time and relax.I think I was set at getting it all over and done with!Thanks again
Mo
For Mo and anyone else who doubts about the value of breathing.
What is the one thing we never think to do in public speaking?
Hint: It is something that happened to us in 2nd or 3rd grade and it has to do with reading out loud. I’d love to hear your feedback on this one.
Nancy
I hope this is not a trick question
I would say it would be forget to take a breath!forgetting to stop at fullstops/pause then continue.
Do I get a lolly ?
cheers mo
Anyone else got any ideas?
How would you rate your nervousness in public speaking? Is it debilitating? If so, would you be interested in discovering how to ‘take your nervousness for a ride’ during your next speech or presentation?
That is the feeling you get when you are in control of those nervous jitters and not the other way around. Bear in mind, everyone gets nervous (or should) in public speaking. If your nervousness is in control of you, however, then the outcome of your delivery is highly questionable. Instead, why not allow your adrenaline rush to feed your body instead of depleting it?
Adrenaline is a hormone released from your adrenal glands when your body experiences great stress, exhilaration or is involved in activities that are physically demanding.
On the other side of the adrenaline rush, however, is the release of this hormone caused by excessive fear of public speaking. In this situation, the hormone is not going to aid you in feeling stronger or more exhilarated but instead lead towards panic. If such is the case for you, the best means of controlling that rush of adrenaline is to learn to breathe with the support of your diaphragm, also known as deep breathing.
By breathing in this manner, your body’s airways and large blood vessels will still be dilated resulting in more oxygen to the brain and the further elimination of toxins from your blood. (Unfortunately, your habitual manner of breathing actually increases your panic thereby increasing your fear because shallow breathing constricts your blood vessels and does not allow for the elimination of those toxins.)
In brief, the value of your nervousness is in its ability to produce adrenaline and in your ability to take control of it by means of deep, supported breathing. In doing so, you will find yourself more exhilarated at the lectern, more relaxed in your being, and more dynamic in your delivery.
Nervousness is truly a blessing. Next time you are scheduled to speak, take your adrenaline rush for a ride and see if you don’t rise above your expectations!