As we all know, public speaking commonly tops the lists of our greatest fears in life. For many of us, speaking in front of an audience is more terrifying than spiders and snakes.

But why? Why are we so afraid of getting on stage and speaking in front of a crowd, or to our peers? Why do our palms get sweaty? Why do our knees start wobbling? Why do our shoulders tense up? Any why can’t we sleep the night before — or in some cases — for multiple nights before?

It’s because we’re scared of being judged. When we are presenting — whether on stage in front of 300 people or in an internal boardroom meeting to our colleagues — we feel immense fear because if we stumble over our words, or make any type of error, we worry that we’ll be criticised, which will damage our reputation… Forever.

So, naturally, what do we do to avoid this fear? We avoid public speaking altogether, don’t we? Easy! That is, until we find ourselves in a situation we simply cannot wiggle out of. Like, our boss instructing us to present at the next quarterly meeting. Or an opportunity to share a slice of our life or career in a setting that we would be foolish to pass over.

Here’s my advice for you:

Just because you always have felt fear, doesn’t mean you always will feel fear. We have the power — at any point — to change the course of our entire future. In a heartbeat. So why not start right now, with this #TIP:

Don’t let your fear control you. Instead, use your nervous energy to your advantage; to fuel and drive you to deliver the best presentation possible.

In my experience, fear is a very important part of the presenting process. When managed and channelled correctly, our nerves, excitement and anticipation enhances our delivery by providing us with the energy and adrenaline needed to do the best job we possibly can.

Do you want to learn more about how you can transform your nerves into positive energy? Join my next Communicate With Confidence Workshop!

– Jordana Borensztajn

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