These feelings of abnormal physical weakness before giving a speech are astonishingly common. Even experienced speakers get the heebie-jeebies before a speech now and then. There are any number of reasons why irrational fears plague us at the most inconvenient moments, especially when you are speaking. The question is what can we do about them now, this minute, when we have to be brilliant in front of our audience? Here’s one suggestion.
Take several deep breaths. Now, think like a racehorse!
Imagine a sleek, strong, powerful, running machine, at the gate, chomping at the bit, ready to get out there and dominate the pack! All that power and energy is totally focused on one thing, getting out there and out-running all the other horses to be the first one at the finish line. Does the racehorse think about how nervous he is? Probably not. He knows what he’s there to do, he’s trained and ready to do it, and he’s totally focused on winning.
You know what you’re there to do, you’re trained and ready, all you need to do now is focus on winning!
Inside you is the power, the energy and the stamina of a racehorse. You have planned your presentation, rehearsed it, and you’re ready to drive through to the end and come out on top!
When that irrational fear appears, take a deep breath and think of all that power pounding down the track to the finish line. That’s you, leading the pack.
You are the racehorse. You’ll have all the confidence you need when you harness your powerful energy and let your passion run!