I’m often asked whether I get nervous when public speaking, giving a presentation, or talk…
And the answer usually comes as a surprise.
Yes. A big yes, in fact!
Like this week, when I ran a new workshop on the art of pitching for investment and storytelling.
But what tends to cause even more surprise than admitting I get nervous is...
When I say I’m glad to have the nerves come calling.
Why? Well, Just think for a moment.
What would a performance be like without them?
Nerves exist to get the electricity buzzing through your blood, to stimulate you, and help you perform at your peak.
No nerves means no energy, no spark, no edge, and so a dull and downbeat presentation.
But, of course, there’s a balance to be struck.
If you let the nerves overwhelm you, then you can be jittery, stumbling, mumbling, and struggling badly.
Not good, in other words.
Which is where my trick to help power up your public speaking and presentations comes in.
I always find it helps me to get the right balance between feeling a little nervous, enough to get the adrenaline flowing…
But still calm enough to be confident and in control.
I call it spotting the smilers.
What do I mean by that?
Well, in any presentation, talk, or form of public speaking, some members of the audience will always be more engaged than others.
They’ll be nodding away, and usually smiling too.
See if you can spot a few of those.
Ideally, in different sections of the audience, so you can roam your eyes over them...
And so make it appear as though you’re talking to everyone.
Then, as you go through your presentation, be sure to make repeated eye contact with these wonderful smilers.
You’ll find the fact they're so engaged, and merrily encouraging you along, a lovely confidence and performance boost.
Which should help ensure that you feel empowered as you speak, and that your talk comes across all the better for it.
