3 Signs Your Nerves Are Costing You Career Opportunities – and What to Do About It.

Speaking in front of a group can leave many of us feeling uncomfortable, exposed, and vulnerable. These aren't feelings we welcome, leading us to avoid situations that provoke them. While some nervousness is natural, when persistent, it can silently sabotage our careers. Goodbye promotion. Au revoir new job. Ciao, new opportunity!

Recognizing the signs that your nerves are stunting your professional growth is the first step towards reclaiming your confidence and unlocking your full potential.

I see too many professionals blocked by their fear of speaking up and just admitting defeat. However, some people I talk to don’t even seem to be aware that they’re avoiding public speaking opportunities.

Here are three indicators that it's time to address the role of nerves in your career development:

1. You Avoid Speaking Up in Meetings

If you find yourself avoiding speaking up in meetings due to fear of judgment or a belief that your ideas aren’t valuable, you risk being overlooked and underappreciated, stifling your visibility and contributions within your organization.

Remember, meetings are a platform for sharing diverse perspectives, and your unique insights are crucial for collective problem-solving and innovation.

If you are not speaking up in meetings and sharing your ideas, then how are you contributing to the business? How will you be recognised as an expert in your field?

If you find yourself consistently holding back, it may be time to seek support in building your confidence and communication skills.

2. You Procrastinate or Overprepare

Procrastination and overpreparation, driven by a fear of failure or not meeting expectations, are subtle yet significant indicators of nerves impacting your career. While thoroughness is a virtue, an excessive fixation on perfection can be counterproductive, leading to missed opportunities and burnout.

If you find yourself constantly delaying putting together the presentation or pitching your idea because you "don't have time" or "it's not quite right (read: perfect) yet" then it could be your fear holding you back.

Learning to trust your expertise and embracing a degree of imperfection can liberate you from the paralysis of perfectionism.

Preparing effectively is the key – I have some free tips on exactly this!

3. You Avoid Networking and Self-Promotion Opportunities

Nervousness about networking and self-promotion can severely limit your professional visibility and growth opportunities. Effective networking is not about boasting but about genuinely connecting and sharing your passion. If nerves make these activities daunting, consider strategies or coaching to improve your comfort and skills.

If you are avoiding opportunities to meet with peers and finding excuses to not attend professional gatherings, it's time to examine the truth behind the excuse.

One simple trick of making networking event less cringe is to think of a relevant comment or question for each person you meet. Another is to look for opportunities to help the people you meet, for example, by providing recommendations or suggestions.

Moving Forward

Addressing these signs is where true growth begins. This is why I'm excited to introduce 'The Stage Fright Advantage,' a group coaching program designed to transform your nerves into your greatest asset for career success.

Launching in April 2024, this innovative program is tailored to professionals like you, who are ready to turn their career-related nervousness into a powerful tool for success.

"The Stage Fright Advantage" is more than just a course; it's a journey towards embracing and leveraging the energy behind your nerves. Through a combination of practical exercises, group discussions, and personalized feedback, you'll learn how to:

• Channel Nervous Energy Positively: Discover strategies to reframe and harness your nervous energy, turning it into enthusiasm and dynamism in your professional interactions.
• Enhance Public Speaking Skills: Engage in activities and practice sessions that build confidence and effectiveness in public speaking, whether in meetings, presentations, or networking events.
• Develop a better understanding: Why do you get nervous, in what situations, and how those nerves show up for YOU?
• Share your challenges and successes: You learn by doing, taking note and adjusting along the way. You will gain confidence each time you speak and reflect. A small, supportive group will be there to cheer you on.
• Develop a Powerful Personal Presence: Project a higher level of credibility and confidence both in your professional and personal life.

"The Stage Fright Advantage" group coaching program offers a unique opportunity to not only overcome the limitations imposed by nerves but to also recognize and utilize them as a source of strength. By participating, you'll join a supportive, small group of professionals all working towards the common goal of unlocking their full potential.

Spaces are limited, to ensure personalized attention and maximum impact.

If you're ready to transform the way you perceive and use your nerves for career advancement, "The Stage Fright Advantage" is your next step.

Don't let another opportunity pass by because of unchanneled nervous energy.

Join me this April and turn what you once thought was a weakness into your most powerful professional advantage.

If you're not sure if this is the right solution for you or would like some more personalised support, book an obligation-free chat with me instead.

Helen von Dadelszen is on a mission to help professionals speak with more confidence. As the founder of the Present Potential Academy, she provides practical coaching and training on a range of speaking and presentation skills.

Her superpower is unlocking professionals' potential when they speak - whether it's in front on their industry, their board, their staff or a potential funder or client. She believes that finding the right words and matching that with a confident and professional delivery leads to success. She specialises in using the voice and body effectively and teaching pesky butterflies to fly in formation. Helen works mostly with non-native English speakers and those from academia, NGOs and the healthcare field.