Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people. As you stand in front of an audience, your body language can speak volumes even before you utter a word. One aspect of body language that often leaves speakers perplexed is what to do with their hands.

Should they be kept at their sides, gesturing wildly, or hidden behind a podium? In this post, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of hand gestures during public speaking to help you convey confidence and connect with your audience.

As I sit down to write these words, I can’t help but wrestle with the challenge of staying totally in the moment. I am in the process of recording a new Master Class for the Fearless Performer Academy, yet I find my mind going into the future, focusing on anxious thoughts and fears of it going just right..

It’s a struggle we all go through every now and then, especially when we are anxious about presenting or performing in any stressful situation.

Our minds just love to remind us about everything coming up, especially things we perceive as negative, and the worries that seem to be looming on the horizon.

It’s like the future is constantly waving its arms, trying to steal our attention!

But here’s the thing: when we get all caught up in thinking about the future, we end up missing out on what’s happening right here and now.

It’s pretty clear that we can’t be in two places at once, right? So, when we’re living in the future, it’s like we’re on a one-way train to the land of “What if?”

“To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.”– Mark Twain

As a Performance Psychologist and Anxiety Coach, I totally understand that being on stage or in front of a camera can make performers wonder: should they stick to what’s comfortable or dive into the unknown? It’s like a fork in the road, and each choice has its own perks for personal growth and success. So, let’s talk about finding that sweet spot between playing it safe and taking daring risks as a performer.

The Safe Haven of Playing it Safe

“The greatest risk is not taking any risks. In a world that is changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” – Mark Zuckerberg

From my vantage point as a Performance Coach, playing it safe often comes from that fear of stumbling or facing rejection. It’s like sticking to your comfort zone, doing what you know works, and not straying from the familiar. While it might feel like a security blanket, it can actually slow down your creative spark and block your progress. Sure, you might end up with a performance that’s predictable, but will it truly light up the crowd or push you to your limits?

Now, I get that playing it safe shields you from those immediate bumps, but it can also keep you blind to the chances that come with trying something fresh. When you shy away from risks, evolving and standing out in a competitive field might become a tough challenge.

The Thrill of Making It Happen

“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” – Roy T. Bennett

On the flip side, going for it as a performer means leaving your comfort zone behind and embracing the unknown. It’s about diving into new ideas, testing uncharted waters, and pushing your limits. Yeah, it’s a bit nerve-wracking, but trust me, it can lead to performances that leave people buzzing.

Choosing to make things happen also means cozying up to failure. Believe me, failure isn’t the end of the world – it’s like a stepping stone to getting even better. In fact, stumbling a bit here and there helps you learn, refine your skills, and build up that toughness you need to thrive.

Balancing Act for Your Journey

“Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.” – Benjamin Franklin

As your friendly coach, I’m all about finding that safe zone – not too comfy, not too wild. It’s essential to give your comfort zone some care, but don’t let it become a comfort trap. Leaping into the unknown without a plan can lead to ho-hum performances or unneeded stress.

So, here’s the deal: find ways to gently, but firmly, nudge yourself out of your comfortable cocoon. Take calculated risks that match your goals and dreams. And, don’t let failure trip you up. It’s not a dead end; it’s a stepping stone. Use those missteps to refine your skills and supercharge your confidence.

In a Nutshell

In the world of performance, it’s your call – playing it safe or making it happen? As a coach, I’m all for embracing Eleanor Roosevelt’s words:

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”

That balance is your magic ticket to defeating those fears, dazzling your audience, and embracing the wild ride of artistic growth. So, go on, strike that balance and shine on, as the talented performer that you are!

If you are ready to challenge your speaking anxiety and begin to overcome your limiting beliefs, then let’s schedule a Free Coaching Call to explore how I might assist you. This is a no-charge opportunity for you to learn more about how it IS possible to manage and overcome the fears that holds you back.

Whether you’re presenting in front of a large audience or a small group, giving a keynote address, pitching a business idea, or delivering a classroom lecture, the ability to engage and captivate your audience is crucial.

For some, it’s an opportunity to shine, but for others, it’s an anxiety-producing experience (I’m sure you can relate).

Here are 10 speaking presentation tips to help you leave a lasting impression and communicate your message with confidence.

1. Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience is the foundation of a successful presentation. Tailor your presentation to your audience’s interests, needs, and knowledge level. Researching and understanding their interests, knowledge level, and expectations will enable you to connect on a deeper level and address their concerns effectively.

2. Create a Clear Message: Ask yourself: What do I want my audience to feel or know when I am finished presenting? Start by defining a clear and concise message (what is your objective for the presentation?) Then work backwards, making sure only to include the material that will meet your objective or goal. Begin with a compelling introduction to grab attention, followed by clear main points, and conclude with a memorable closing. Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information and stay focused on your central theme.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice: There’s no substitute for practice when it comes to delivering a great presentation. Rehearse your presentation multiple times. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or present to a friend for constructive feedback.

4. Tell Stories: People love to hear stories. Storytelling is a powerful tool in presentations. They allow your audience to connect with you on an emotional level. Include examples and real-life scenarios into your presentation to make your content relatable, memorable and to keep your listeners engaged. The best stories are always those that are from your personal experience.

Success as a presenter or performer, in all its forms, is a path unique to each individual. Whether it’s standing confidently on stage or finding contentment in our daily pursuits, success is a journey we all embark upon.

Yet, in this journey, we often find ourselves held back by limiting beliefs that impede our progress. In this blog post, we’ll walk through three common thoughts that hinder our success: “I am not enough,” “I don’t belong,” and “I don’t feel safe.” By understanding and challenging these thoughts, we can pave the way for personal growth and accomplishments.

1) “I am not enough“

One of the most pervasive limiting beliefs is the idea that we are not enough – not smart enough, not talented enough, not worthy enough. This negative self-perception can severely hinder our progress, making us doubt our abilities and keeping us from taking on new challenges. The fear of failure becomes a constant companion, preventing us from stepping out of our comfort zones.

Today, we’re going to dive into a topic that many of us can relate to, the famous phrase:

“That’s just the way I am.”

We’ve all said it at some point, haven’t we?

While it may offer a temporary sense of comfort, this mindset can be a major roadblock to personal growth and success as a speaker or performer. In this post, I’ll delve into the dangers of adopting a ‘fixed mindset’ and explore how challenging your limiting beliefs can lead to self-discovery, transformation and an empowered life.

People with a fixed mindset believe that their qualities, abilities, and intelligence are innate and unchangeable. As a result, they tend to avoid challenges, give up easily in the face of adversity, and resist efforts to improve.

Embracing a fixed mindset limits your potential for growth, as it convinces you that you cannot change or develop beyond your current state (“I’ll never be a good speaker” … I will always be anxious when I perform”).

The Danger of Complacency:

Setting goals and envisioning success is an essential first step towards achieving outstanding performance, whether in overcoming your speaking fears, performance anxiety or achieving significant life goals in general.

However, merely thinking about your performance plan won’t magically make it a reality.

To truly excel and reach your potential, execution is key. In this post, we will dive into the importance of taking action and provide practical strategies for effectively executing your performance plan.

So, let’s shift gears from contemplation to action and unlock your full potential!

1. The Power of Action – While it’s important to have a clear vision and set meaningful goals, it is equally crucial to take action to turn those dreams into reality. Without execution, even the most brilliant plan remains a mere fantasy.

Action is the catalyst that propels us forward and enables us to overcome challenges, learn from experiences, and ultimately achieve our desired outcomes.