Public Speaking: Getting Those Butterflies into Formation

Nerves come in all sorts of ways and can affect us at the most inopportune times. We want to say something at a gathering, or we’re just about to do a performance, or there’s that end-of-semester exam we’ve studied the past fortnight for... the list of things where nerves play their part is never ending. And the trick we’re told is harnessing the nervous energy.

I have often used the quote of Dr. Rob Gilbert’s,

“It’s all right to have butterflies in your stomach, just get them to fly in formation.”

So, let’s acknowledge this is the goal: to get our butterflies flying in formation and actually giving us a performance edge instead of ruining the show altogether. It’s fine to have a goal but that won’t get us there. We need a practical method or process to do that.

Perhaps it’s a mute point but I think everyone needs to find their own process through trial and error... so the best basic attitude is one of courage.

Courage is variously defined as strength of mind and will in the face of danger, opposition, and hardship (in short, fear). It’s meeting the stiff challenge in a constructively resilient way. Being courageous is not about a lack of fear. Fear is part of the mix. It’s working with it. It’s harnessing it.

Here are four (4) tips to assist in getting the butterflies flying in formation:

1. Focus on the importance of what it is we have to say: most people speak up or need to engage in public speaking because they have something important to say. You are probably in your role in doing public speaking because you represent a larger concern--people who are relying on you and your leadership. It’s awesome to be charged with this responsibility as others look up to you to do something bold--something they might not be able to do. Stay positive with that.

2. Focus on the needs of those listening: these people need to hear what you have to say, right? You know it, but they don’t know it yet. You could try visualising the people listening to you and their edified response. We must believe that what we’re saying is for the benefit of the listener. If it helps jot down three (3) points why they need the information and focus and meditate on these. Doing this could possibly help at a time during your talk or presentation when self-belief evaporates without warning. You’re doing this for them and their need.

3. Ignore the record (your awareness) of your nerves: most people won’t be able to tell that you’re nervous if you don’t give way to the nerves. This is where being courageous is most important. Your nerves will actually work for you and give you a positive presence if you boldly charge through them. Just about every good speaker gets nervous; to start a little nervously is forgivable--don’t dwell on it. Stay positive within yourself and your body language.
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4. Preparation is the key: there is no substitute for good preparation. Know what you need to say, in what order it needs to be said, and if possible, practise your delivery. Practise it enough to become proficient at it. This way you open your energies up, keeping them available, to simply delivering your message; the technical details i.e. your information and media, should not be consuming any of your thought at this late stage. Trust your preparation. Don’t doubt your preparation. And also don’t make last minute changes unless you can nail them easily.

I recall the first time I preached with any sort of confidence and positive emotion that touched a congregation. Whilst I am not an experienced preacher by any means I have done enough public speaking (professionally) to know what works for me and what doesn’t work for me. This journey was one of much trial and error; and failure before success I might add.

If we don’t give up we will master it. That’s a fact. Belief... in yourself is the key.

It’s the best feeling when you walk off stage having nailed the talk, sermon, speech or presentation.

Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.