Feeling sick, heart beating too fast, short of breath, dry mouth, inability to concentrate, butterflies – these are all common symptoms of being nervous and the worst thing is, the more we try not to be the worse those symptoms can get.
Symptoms like these are actually part of our natural flight or fight syndrome. They are there to protect us when we feel danger. And nervousness is a natural part of public speaking. Its those same set of symptoms that provide the adrenaline. Adrenaline is natural and essential for keeping us on our toes – so nerves can be a good thing.
But what happens when they get in our way and we start to fall over our words, stammer or go red? How do we learn to control these.
Here are my 3 top tips:
Read my previous 5 blog posts – there’s lot of information to help you be more prepared – the more prepared you are the better your coping strategies will be.
Just before you speak have a strategy to help calm your nerves. Practice seven eleven breathing. Breathe in deeply to the count of 7 and out to the count of 11. This expels lots of carbon monoxide helping you think more clearly.
Move about, walking around will help the blood flow around the body, shake your arms and stretch.
Carolyn Trafford is a confidence coach and speaker, if you need help getting started in speaking to groups call Carolyn today on 
07714 216388 to book your free 45 minute kick start session and stand up with confidence.
No responses yet