The nervousness engendered by stage fright is a normal, understandable emotion
experienced by most public speakers. The major reasons for speakers' nervousness
are (1) fear of being stared at, (2) fear of failure, (3) fear of rejection,
and (4) fear of the unknown. Instead of trying to eliminate nervousness, welcome it as a source of energy.
Properly channeled, it can help you give a better speech than you would deliver
if you were completely relaxed. The best way to avoid excessive, crippling nervousness is to pour time
and energy into preparing and practicing your speech. Then, when you stand up
to speak, deal rationally with your nervous symptoms (such as trembling knees
and dry throat); remind yourself that the symptoms are not a prelude to disaster,
but instead are evidence that you are keyed up enough to give a good speech.
Never call attention to your nervousness and never apologize for it; the listeners
don't care about your emotional state—they just want to hear your message. Concentrate
on getting your ideas across to the audience; this will get your mind where
it belongs—on your listeners and not on yourself—and it will help you move your
nervousness to a back burner, where it can still simmer and energize you without
hindering your effectiveness. |
2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education