It is the most natural thing in the world. You are speaking in front of an audience. Perhaps it is your peers. Maybe you have been selected as a workshop presenter. Maybe you are the featured keynote speaker. Many people begin to worry, “Will I look stupid?”
Yes. We are worried about how well we will do. That is one source of nervousness. One way to reduce nervousness is to be well prepared and confident in your performance. Another way is to shift your focus to your audience.
My daughter has been dancing for eight years. Every year at the annual recital she gets that typical nervous feeling on opening night. However, she has become a source of inspiration and a role model for me. Long ago, she told me that when she gets nervous she remembers to put on a big smile and remember that she is there so the audience can enjoy themselves. If she does it right, they will leave happy.
So remember… why are you there?. You are there for the audience.
