Creating Your Home Court Advantage

Imagine you’re standing on a stage in front of a crowd of over 100 people. Your heart races, your palms sweat, and the fear of failure looms large. This moment could be pivotal, a chance to make a significant impact. How do you overcome the anxiety and perform at your best? The answer lies in a concept I introduced to a mentee recently: Always Creating Your Own Home Court Advantage, a powerful strategy conceived by Lawayne Perkins.?

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Home court advantage is more than just a sports term. It’s about creating a mental comfort zone, a familiar space where you excel. This strategy is especially useful for anyone who might be asked to speak publicly, whether at a conference, in a boardroom, or any other setting. By making the environment feel like your own home turf, you can harness confidence and control, transforming fear into familiarity.?

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In many our our roles , we routinely host departmental huddles. These gatherings, ranging from 10 to 90 people, are short yet packed with complex and often difficult exchanges. The diverse audience, with its dynamic mix of disciplines and demographics, can make these huddles challenging. However, after 15 years of conducting these meetings, I’ve developed a rhythm and ease that turns each huddle into a familiar dance.?

When you face a daunting speaking engagement, think of it as just another huddle. You’ve presided over many huddles with your team, handling these situations before and thriving in them.. Tell yourself, "This is just a huddle." By framing the situation as something routine and familiar, you create your own home court advantage.?

This mindset shift helps to reduce anxiety and boosts your confidence. You’re not facing a terrifying crowd; you're in a familiar setting where you know how to excel. Just like in a huddle, where you strategize and communicate effectively, you can approach your speech with the same calm and focus. This technique allows you to harness your previous successes and apply them to new challenges, transforming intimidating scenarios into opportunities for success?

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Maria Atencio once said, “Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes.” The power in her words lies not only in the message but also in the delivery. When you create a home court advantage, you ensure your voice doesn’t just shake; it resonates.?

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Preparation is key. Know your material inside and out. Rehearse your speech until it flows naturally. Visualize your audience as familiar faces, colleagues from your regular huddles. This mental shift reduces the fear of the unknown and builds a sense of routine.?

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Consider the physical space as well. Visit the venue beforehand if possible. Familiarize yourself with the layout, the lighting, and the sound system. Stand on the stage, look out at the seats, and imagine your supportive colleagues filling them. This exercise grounds you, making the space feel like an extension of your regular environment.?

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Interaction is another powerful tool. Engage with your audience early on. Ask questions, encourage participation, and create a dialogue. This not only breaks the ice but also turns the event into a two-way conversation, much like the dynamic exchanges in your huddles.?

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Remember, the essence of the home court advantage is control and familiarity. By treating every speaking engagement as another huddle, you harness the strengths and comfort of your routine environment. This mindset doesn’t just alleviate fear; it empowers you to deliver your message with confidence and impact.?

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As you step onto your next stage, bring your home court with you. Transform the unfamiliar into the familiar. Make it routine. Make it yours. Create your home court advantage and watch as your ability to make an impact soars.