Stage fright can be crippling - especially for leaders.
It robs you of the confidence needed for influence.
A leader without influence is totally ineffective.
Fear of public speaking is worse than death.
I used to get sweaty palms before a speech.
I have been bathed in sweat during a speech.
I would have to take a shower and change clothes.
That’s what anxiety did to me. Maybe you, too.
My local Toastmasters club invited me to join in 1985.
Toastmasters is not a drinking club.
It teaches communication and leadership skills.
In Toastmasters we have a favored saying:
It’s OK to have butterflies before a speech.
You just need to fly them in formation.
Psychologists define our anxiety as worry and unease.
But controlled anxiety can be beneficial.
Athletes feel it before a contest.
Musicians and actors before a performance.
It can enhance performance and give you an edge.
It is part of the mental and emotional game of success.
We must learn to control our anxiety and fear.
It we let it get too high, our performance suffers.
You’ve seen athletes and other clutch under stress.
Pro golfers take control - or their game crumbles.
Tennis stars take over with the match on the line.
Researchers have studied how our brains learn best.
That comes when stress hormones are mildly elevated.
But high anxiety can make simple tasks difficult.
Cramming for exams the night before raises anxiety.
The same with preparing a speech in the 11th hour.
Discipline and preparation give you confidence.
Don’t defeat yourself. Discipline yourself.
Toastmasters changed my life and conquered my fear.
I feel completely bullet-proof now.
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, too.
It can do the same for you if you need it.
Even if you don’t, it will make you a stronger leader.
Look for Toastmasters clubs in your community.
Just Google Toastmasters in your town.
Find out where and when they meet and show up.
You will be welcomed with open arms.
It will change your life for the better.
For more on building confidence, email me.
I’m always glad to help.
