Getting nervous is unavoidable. Whether it’s during a presentation, on a date, or meeting someone new, feeling anxious is going to happen. To help deal with your anxiety, admit it to your audience.
As former FBI agent and body language expert Joe Navarro explains, getting nervous is completely normal. The problem is, most of us try to hide and ignore it, rather than accepting it. By admitting that you’re anxious to yourself and others, you can put yourself more at ease:
“The first thing I tell people is, if you’re nervous, there’s a good reason for it,” he says. Maybe you’re meeting people for the first time or going on a job interview, or giving that dreaded presentation.
“Go ahead and front that, don’t try to conceal it.”
Navarro says acknowledging that you’re nervous — and being ok with that — can actually help alleviate some of your anxiety.
Most of the time, if you’re in a situation that’s making you feel anxious, the other people in the room know why. You might be facing a huge crowd or on a first date. The other people may be nervous as well! While dwelling on it isn’t the best idea, a quick sentence to acknowledge the situation can defuse some of the tension.
A former FBI agent recommends a simple 3-step exercise to beat anxiety [Business Insider]
Comments
2 responses to “Admit You’re Anxious To Your Audience To Help Alleviate The Stress”
I disagree with this. When I hear a public speaker admit it, I look for nervousness in their presentation and cant focus on the content. I think it’s best to just plow through it and you naturally become more relaxed as the presentation gets going.
If I’m doing the presenting, I like to let the audience know I’m nervous because it usually lightens up the mood.