Managing Stage Fright - Y for YES!

I have shared with you three principles I observe whenever I am to deliver a speech--Preparation, Reherse, and Arrangements.

P
R
A
and now we have Y!

The final principle I observe to manage stage fright is Y for YES! When I am asked to make a presentation or to deliver a speech, my first reaction is to say, "No, because I ..." and then I give whatever excuse. I don't enjoy standing in front of a crowd with knocking knees, dry mouth, and shaking hands! I suspect you don't, either! :-(

One of the best ways to overcome stage fright is to speak publicly again and again to such a point that it does not overwhelm you. Thus, whenever I am invited to speak, I say, "Yes!" unless there is really a conflict of schedules.

Everytime I speak, I learn new things about myself, my preparation, my delivery style, my effectiveness as a speaker, and my ability to manage stress. Therefore, when you get an invitation to speak, say, "Yes!"

Will every speaking opportunity turn out OK in the end? Unfortunately, the answer is no. But as long as you learn something from the event, that is well worth the stage fright and insecurity you will experience!

In 1982 when I was working at a shipyard, there was a productivity campaign organized by the then National Productivity Board with the slogan,

Good, better, best
Never let it rest
'Till your good becomes better
and your better becomes best.

It's a great motto to encourage productivity. It's also a great motto that applies to gaining confidence in public speaking. Keep taking advantage of opportunities to speak. Speak to become good at it! And when you're good, work to become better! And when you're better, shoot to becoming the best!

How do you manage stage fright? P R A Y!

Preparations

Reherse

Arrangements

Yes

In two weeks, your groups will be making your Spies R Us presentations at tutorial. How will you be preparing for the event?