10 things to know if you get speaking nerves so you realise how good you really are

I was the shy guy in school.

The idea of speaking up in class filled me with a wash of nerves.

I avoided it, but it made me more self-conscious.

I still get nervous before calls and speaking events. But there are some tips I return to that help me manage so I can enjoy myself more.

Whether you’re speaking on video, podcasts, on stages, leading groups, or on Zoom calls, the following ideas help me stay calm.

Have faith in uncertainty.

Most of our nerves arise out of not knowing. We want more control, but we don’t get it.

So, we get nervous in anticipation of what may go wrong. You need to let go of those thoughts. Have faith that the right words will come to you in the moment.

The more you run through what might happen in your head, the more pressure you pile on.

Be okay with not knowing.

Do not reject nervous feelings.

Most anxiety comes from our rejection of these feelings.

When we don’t like how we feel, we tighten up.