2023.07.04 – 0915 – Renaming and Reframing Mic Fright
Re-naming and re-framing: Positive self-talk
Our physical reactions to different emotions are often similar.
Think how you feel when you’re excited and when you’re frightened; both emotions may result in increased muscle tension, tremor and palpitations but we interpret them differently. Excitement is perceived as a positive ‘stress’ while genuine fear or anger is perceived as unpleasant ‘distress’.
Here's another example: the situation may not be ‘wrong’ or ‘scary’, just ‘new’ and ‘unfamiliar’. It’s a bit like the old song: “A stranger's just a friend you do not know”.[1]
One more: instead of thinking that the audience is the ‘enemy’, waiting to pounce on your every stutter and stumble, retrain your brain to accept that there will inevitably be a few mistakes, and the audience is on your side.
Finally: Interpret the effects of adrenalin, as your body’s way of telling you you’re ready!
So, get into the habit of reframing the situation in your ‘caveman’ mind: you’re not nervous at the situation, you’re excited for the opportunity.
[1] https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/jimreeves/astrangersjustafriend.html
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