How To Get The Butterflies To Behave When You Speak

“When do you stop being nervous?”

This was the question my client asked as she prepared for her presentation. We had been working together for a few sessions and she was looking for some hope. During our first session, she had mentioned her nerves acting up so terribly she couldn’t see straight. The audience was blurry and she felt like she was going to faint.

One side was telling her, “Don’t do this, Lauren (not her real name). Don’t DO IT! It’s a BAD IDEA!”

The other side would respond, “I know. Let’s make a run for it. No one will notice.”

She knew her internal conflict was noticeable. But, it was her JOB. She had to present. It wasn’t like she was ALWAYS nervous. It was just around the grown-ups. WIth the kids, she was affable, playful and knew just what to say. But, with the grown folk, she felt like there was a big, judge-y finger pointing at her.

“Lauren” isn’t the only one who feels this way. While you may feel comfort in front of one group, you are freaked out by the thought of presenting to another. Maybe they are your company execs. Maybe they are investors who have a big say in the sustainability of your startup. Or, they might be some old school, white-haired, founders in your church. They just happen to be the audience that makes you wig out…