A novice speaker says they are nervous before a speech while an experienced speaker says they are excited.
So how different are the two emotions and what effect will it have on the outcome?
Harvard Business School research suggests those people feeling excited before taking to the stage not only felt better but performed better.
Professor Alison Wood Brooks says the key is to get the nervous speaker to change their mindset with simple techniques like saying out loud ‘I am excited about having the opportunity to speak.’
Since the physiological manifestations of anxiety and excitement are similar, such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, flushing, etc., Dr. Brooks believes reframing anxious arousal as excitement is a relatively easy way to trick ourselves into avoiding the negative effects of nervousness.
To read more about the Harvard research go to the No Freaking Speak website.
It’s all about harnessing that nervous energy and turning your anxiety into a positive. Even the most experienced of speakers will admit to pre-performance anxiety, so accept it as a fact of life and move on.
The rewards of being a good public speaker are waiting for you.
For more information graeme@goodinningsmedia.com.au
Graeme GOODINGS 