by Tarran Deane

Got Yourself a Little Stage Fright or Performance Anxiety?

Got a little stagefright? They say public speaking is right up there in the top 10 stressors. It’s normal for even the most experienced Speaker to have that little twinge of performance anxiety.

You know what I’m talking about, right? The old adrenalin rush before you speak…In my 20’s I could feeeel the colour blush up my neck, to my cheeks and into my ears. I am so grateful for every opportunity to refine my skill and increase my ease with presenting public. Executive and c-suite roles provide great opportunities to showcase the achievements of your team or business to a wider audience.

 

I’m seeing more and more Leaders finding their voices and stepping into the spotlight and that’s a good thing!

Businesses are seeking recognition as disruptors and shakers of the status quo. If you have someone in house, brilliant who can coach your team to enhances their communication skills to this public persona and brand ambassador standard, hold onto them. Your firm is the exception.
What if you see a gap, you have an upcoming speaking opportunity – sitting on a panel, presenting a paper, or offering main stage speech?
 
Want Three Quick Things to Help You Overcome Performance Anxiety?

 

Prepare:
  1. know your stuff
  2. hone your craft,
  3. serve them well – pre, mid and post event

 

Here Are My Insider Secrets for the First 2 Hours Before I Go On Stage to Speak or MC:

 

1. PREPARE – KNOW YOUR STUFF
who’s the client? why them? why you? why not you? what do you know? who are you representing when you stand up on stage? what are the stakes? Settle this ~ are you the best person for this role? are you putting the time in to know who’s in the room and nurture the audience before you even get up on stage? Few things for you to think about, right?

 

Before I go anywhere near the stage I know I’ve prepared. I am a subject matter expert who is skilled, competent and My content answer the Brief and delivers additional value.

 

I’m upholding the values of my own organisations and the code of ethics of our Peak Body, Professional Speakers Australia.

 

I’m physically feeling energetic and vibrant. I’m bringing the best version of me

 

En Route to the venue I practice vocal warm ups. I went to singing lessons with this firebrand of a teacher, all 5 foot 2 of her and gee could she belt out the ballads! Marissa taught me the ‘Ba-Si-Noor-or-rah-haaaaa’. I sing. A lot – and not always well but it makes me laugh and lifts my spirit.

 

If, on the random occasion a headache threatens, I’m onto it fast. I drink plenty of water 24 hours before and in the hours after my presentation – not during unless I really need it, because I don’t want to be running to the restroom with a radio mic battery pack on my belt.

 

My AV requirements were emailed through weeks before, with my preferred microphone listed, the details of media images, presentation formats and versions. With corporate presentations, keynotes, breakouts, panels and MC work contributing to 35% of our revenue year to date, we make sure the numbers are done, agreements signed and financial terms are signed off well in advance, so we can focus on the upcoming delivery.

 

  • Need an AV Checklist? I’ll send you mine for inspiration. Email us here:office@corporatecinderella.com.au subject line: “AV Checklist Template Please” and we’ll send you mine for inspiration.

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2. PREPARE – HONE YOUR CRAFT
On the day, professional speakers are being remunerated to expertly deliver, present and facilitate. We’re not there to practice on you. We’ve been honing our craft for years before we even undertook paid engagements. This is what we do for a living. if you’ve recently spoken at your brothers wedding or a networking event, it doesn’t mean you’re ready for the main stage. There’s a lot more to do!

 

Here’s one of my tactics for overcoming stage fright:

 

I arrive with more than enough time to meet the Audio Visual Team and through sound checks. We troubleshoot dead spots in the room, looking for issues that can draw attention away from the flow of the event or cause discomfort to participants, VIPs and venue staff. I check for emerging issues with the host and PCO. I mingle with the audience, check the details and run sheet. I breathe.

 

Remember this fun. It’s Show Time!

 

3. PREPARE – SERVE OTHERS

As much as it’s about you, it’s actually nothing to do with you. You’re a conduit for information. Sharing key learnings, research, breaking down information into bit size chunks, in fun, informative ways. You may leverage personal stories that entice the different learnings styles, seal your authority as a goto company or individual

 

Where possible provide opportunity for people to continue growing and by “taking you home”. Make available resource and marketing collateral that cements your content and leave a footprint.

 

Engage the Audience. Embed the Learning. Extol the Host
 

 

That’s a Wrap!

Got a Little Performance Anxiety? Speaking Leadership with www.TarranDeane.com

 

Those three things you must remember: Prepare, Hone Your Craft and Serve Others!

 

 

ABOUT TARRAN DEANE AFAIM

Tarran is a Strategic & Operational Leadership Consultant, Executive Coach and Keynote Conference Speaker. Author of the upcoming book “The Alphabet Principle ~ Your A-Z Guide to Being a Compelling Leader”, Tarran is also Queensland President for Professional Speakers Australia and Board Member for Newlife Uniting Care Services. A Wife, Mum, Ducati rider and sought after speaker at conferences in the Asia Pacific, Tarran equips leaders and executives using her Signature 7 Leadership Framework™, to build connection and culture that drives business and organisational success.

Tarran and the team do short, sharp daily posts on one aspect of her Signature 7 Leadership Framework™. Check it out and join the conversation for your key interest areas:

  1. Sunday: Personal Leadership
  2. Monday: Toolbox Leadership
  3. Tuesday: Strategic Ledership
  4. Wednesday: Culture Leadership
  5. Thursday: Speaking Leadership inc coaching on these elements
  6. Friday: Online Leadership
  7. Saturday: Family Leadership

 
 
During May, Tarran’s taken up the challenge of #30blogsin30days. Click to share the posts, like and comment on your favourite social media channel @tarrandeane

Contact us today: Call +61 (0) 417 654305

Email: ceo@tarrandeane.com | office@corporatecinderella.com.au

in 005. Speaking Leadership / Communication / Executive Coach
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