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By Julie Bennett
May 3, 2010
Stage fright can strike even those with the best media training in the world and the most extensive public speaking experience. Take Sir Robert Menzies, who in 1948 was Leader of the Opposition, between the two terms he served as Prime Minister.
Due to speak to a small audience in the tiny town of Grenfell NSW, Menzies turned to the young woman at his side: "What am I going to say to these people?" he demanded, panic-stricken.
The woman fixed him with steady blue eyes. "Well," she said calmly, "you can talk about the recent floods, that's really affected these people." Menzies let out a long breath. "Yes," he agreed, collecting himself. "Thank-you."
Chances are, however, that the next time you have a microphone thrust in your face, you won't have someone as calming as that woman (who happened to be Gwen Fletcher, one of Australia's financial planning pioneers) at your side.
So here are a few of my favourite tips for dealing with stage fright - including some from my father, a former professional opera singer who sang with Opera Australia for 30 years and had to deal with stage fright every night of his professional life:
1. Trust yourself
You know your stuff - who better than you? And when you know your stuff, your words, like those of a favourite song, will (I promise you) come back to you. You will hear them coming out of your mouth, just as you prepared them. (And of course, it goes without saying that you won't go anywhere near the media until you are properly prepared and have thoroughly rehearsed answers to questions you may be asked).
2. Positive Self-talk
Give yourself some private words of encouragement. My mantra before speaking to an audience of any kind is, "I can do this - because I know that I know my stuff."
3. Breathe...
Still nervous? Breathe in very deeply, through your nose. Fill your lungs, hold the breath and then take three more quick sips of air. Then breathe out through your mouth slowly. Repeat three times. The increased oxygen level in your brain should calm you and help you think more clearly.
4. Stand at ease
If you are standing while being interviewed, stand with your legs slightly apart and one foot in front of the other. It will stop your knees from knocking!
5. Don't be put off by a baleful stare
Journalists can sometimes look pretty fierce. Don't be intimidated. If it helps, by all means use that old trick of imaging them in their underwear... Personally, I prefer to remember that, just like the rest of us, they take their undies off one leg at a time...
6. Smile
If you find your mouth drying up or your voice getting croaky, smile and as you smile, gently nip the edges of your tongue. It will activate the saliva glands in your mouth. One of those very tiny breath mints on the back of your tongue might also do the trick.
7. Relax
The sun will still come up tomorrow. And if you say something you later regret, you will usually get the opportunity to correct it.
There is only one thing worse than stage fright and that is giving into it. You will feel a hundred times better if you go ahead with the interview - even if you perform badly - than you will if you give into your fears and don't do it at all.
For professional media training specifically designed for finance professionals, contact 64 Media on 1300 646 334.
