Happiful – September 2019

September 2019 • happiful.com • 71

Scenario three: You’re doing a
big presentation

One of the most effective ways to
get more confident doing public
speaking is practice. When we
do the same thing repeatedly, we
hardwire new beliefs, and the
more you partake in it, the more
you’ll realise your own capabilities.
Imagine your belief system as a
literal footpath on the grass. The
first time you walk it you’ll have

to find your own way, but after

making the same journey a few

times, the path becomes worn in,

more visible, and easy to follow.

“Nerves just show that you’re

doing something that you care

about,” says Kirsty. “Nerves are

a marker of wanting to do well.

They’ve been societally presented

as a weakness, but nerves are your

body saying: ‘I’m going to do all of

the appropriate things to help you

nail this.’”

Make it your mission to find that

sweet spot where nerves give you

energy, without taking over. And

if you feel like they are about to

take over, do something to lower

your cortisol levels, like talking to

a friend, laughing, taking a walk,

or reframe the situation as an

opportunity for reward.

If you’re keen to find out more about

how to boost your confidence, to

help you thrive at work, Kirsty

cites ‘Quiet Leadership: Six Steps to

Transforming Performance at Work’

by David Rock (Collins, £10.99) as

the basis for much of her training

and advice.

Fiona is a freelance writer and

author, whose book, ‘Depression

in a Digital Age’, is out now. Visit

fionalikestoblog.com for more.

The science bit:

We need the prefrontal cortex

(PFC) of the brain for high-level

thinking, creativity, and decision-

making. The limbic system deals

with emotions, memories, learning,

and stimulation. The problem is

that the PFC and limbic system

don’t work well at the same time. So,

when nerves kick in and the limbic

system fires up, it’s hard to think

clearly (using the PFC) which is why

people forget their words, stutter, or

get choked up. Additionally, studies

show that the optimal hormonal

profile for confidence is increased

testosterone, and low cortisol levels.

Laughter is a proven way to lower cortisol levels, as is a talk

with a trusted friend. So before you head into a difficult

conversation, phone your funniest pal for reassurance