Three Speak Up Strategies: When Nerves Happen

Recently,?we’ve discussed nervousness?--?feeling apprehensive about speaking up on stage or in front of a group.

I can tell you from my vantage point, and I’ve worked with?hundreds?of clients,?it happens to the best of us.

Here are three tips?to handle them with more ease:

1. Take a moment to relax by tapping into?Square (or box) breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds, and hold at the top for 4 seconds. Then slowly exhale for 4 seconds, resting at the bottom of the breath for 4 seconds. This breathwork has been shown to decrease heart rate, lessen anxiety, and helps to improve overall focus simply by being present to your body.
2. Adopt what’s known as a?Power Pose?with your feet firmly grounded beneath you and your head held high. Avoid standing asymmetrically by facing your audience head on and feeling strong in your stance. Feel free to practice in a mirror at home or while you rehearse, and note the difference in your delivery.
3. Get curious about your listeners. When you direct your attention to who is actually there in the room, and focus on how your content can help them, it lets a little air out of the proverbial pressure-filled balloon --?in a good way. Have a couple of minutes before your presentation? Ask questions, get to know your audience. Simply getting?curious?about the group in front of you helps to humanize them while also mitigating your nerves.

For many more tips on how to speak up with confidence, check out my book "Speak Up, Dammit!" In the meantime, keep sharing your voice. I promise you, the world needs to hear your ideas!

Cheering you on,

Hope Timberlake