5 Ways to Knock Out the Performance Jitters

Feel like you're never going to stop those shaky knees and pre-performance nerves? Here are a few ideas to help you get past the debilitating effects of the jitters:

1. Appreciate them. I know it sounds crazy, but acknowledge the nerves as though they are an old friend, and know they are there because you care about what you are doing. That's a good thing. Those swirling butterflies in your tummy can be asked to fly in formation and energize you... that way they work in agreement with your goal. You might actually visualize this and get the feeling that those butterflies are your support team, and NOT there to derail you at all!


2. Another visual exercise: Imagine a time when you were totally confident. Put yourself back in that time, and remember every sight, smell and thought in your head at that time. Once you can experience that memory fully, move the feelings of that time into the future time of your presentation. Picture yourself standing with that confidence you know you had in the past. If you did it once, you are perfectly able to feel it now. Really lock in that feeling, like an athlete would in an important race, and then anchor it in somehow, maybe by a physical touch on your tummy, or some other part of your body. Touching that spot before you step up to speak should trigger that sense of confidence automatically.


3. Avoid physical stumbling blocks; work out to relax your muscles, and skip the caffeine (seriously). Coffee can make a brain shortcircuit when under stress, so it's just not worth it. And eat a balanced meal before you are asked to present or be on set, to properly fuel your brain.


4. Do your homework. The biggest stress factor is to not be prepared. If you feel the need to consult with a coach to prepare do so. It pays to make the most of every media and speaking opportunity and if you need help in prepping the perfect message, then seek it. It is a wise investment. Leveraging the opportunities is the goal! Don't play it small.


5. Remember the big picture. By focusing on your big picture you will be outside of yourself and into the projected outcome of your intention. Instead of thinking about your knocking knees, you will be picturing the school you want to build, or the sales you want to reach, or the lives you want to save. It's hard to think of yourself when you are focused on what you can do for others.

Jitters need not be a bad thing at all. Once you don't see them as a problem, they may just quiet down completely!