A Changing Relationship With Nerves - Behind The Pod

The unravelling usually starts when I wake up knowing I will be on stage that day.

It begins with some mild anxiety.

Then I lose the ability to focus on tasks.

As the gig approaches the nerves really start to ramp up - and if it's a particularly big gig - I might get blessed with some sweats.

Then basically I just stop speaking to anyone. This is also Steve's favourite time to mess with me...

Steve: "How you feeling bro?"

Seamus: "Please, don't. Not today."

When I tell people this, they're always surprised; "but you look so comfortable up there".

...and I am, once I start speaking. But beforehand, it's a mess inside my mind.

Recently, I reflected on this after a very kind LinkedIn post from Pearl Dupont at Tall Poppy Real Estate after we recently spoke at their annual conference.

Her words got me thinking about why I feel this way and how I can better manage it.

I’ve come to realize that feeling nervous before speaking means I care deeply about doing a good job. It means I give a shit. This perspective shift has helped me view my nerves as a positive rather than a negative.

I was also comforted to learn at that conference that even seasoned professionals experience nerves before they get on stage.

This came directly from Tall Poppy Real Estate MC for the conference – Jason Gunn. Hearing this from someone so accomplished reminded me that nerves are a natural part of the process, even for the best of us.

The Calm Under Pressure Workshop I attended with Dave Wood also helped me understand that nerves are a part of my journey and using them to fuel my preparation and delivery can only make me a better speaker.

And recent podcast guest Jehan Casinader spoke to us about the power of re-writing your own story.

So, I'm Seamus, an MC and Key Note Speaker and I will use my nerves during the day, to deliver the goods on the night!

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