The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

CALMING NERVES / 347

Imagine yourself taking

the stage confidently and

speaking well. See

yourself enjoying

the moment.

Letting yourself shine

Once you begin the presentation, control the

release of energy. Don’t dissipate it too early by

pacing around or rushing your delivery. Maintain

eye contact with individuals in the audience; this

will help your nerves because it gives you a mental

focus, and you will probably get positive feedback

from your audience (smiles and nodding heads)

that will boost your confidence. Behavioral

research has found visualizing a stressful event

is enough to trigger a real physical reaction.

Conversely, we can all achieve a calmer state

through positive images. So, before your next

presentation, try visualizing your own success.

Remember how you feel at

your most confident. Tell

yourself you can and

will succeed.

Tell yourself you don’t

need to be perfect;

the audience is on

your side.

Picture yourself as

relaxed and prepared—

you look more confident

than you feel.

Tell yourself you are

well prepared.

You CAN do it!

Public speaking

is ranked the 3rd

most frightening

experience in

the US; in the UK,

it ranked 2nd

How to visualize success

US_346-347_Taming_nerves.indd 347 30/05/16 3:06 pm