179. Maria Tecce: 5 Top Strategies for Managing Nerves and Performing At Your Best
Aug 22, 2021
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Maria Tecce, actress, singer, keynote speaker, and Voice & Speech Coach shares strategies for managing nerves and performing at your best. They discuss the importance of conscious breathing, learning from successful speakers, and practical exercises like tongue stretches. Maria's experience and techniques empower business professionals and performers to take their public speaking and performance skills to the next level.
Deep diaphragmatic breathing is a foundational tool to manage nervous energy and deliver confident and impactful presentations.
Preparing and practicing specific techniques, as well as having a pre-talk plan and rituals, can build confidence and improve overall presentation skills.
Deep dives
The Importance of Breath in Public Speaking
One of the key strategies discussed in the podcast is the importance of breath in public speaking. Breath is the cornerstone of all great vocal work and provides support for the voice, clear thinking, and grounding. By practicing deep, diaphragmatic breathing, speakers can manage nervous energy, steady their voice, and fuel their presence. Breathing also helps to center the speaker in the present moment and prevent them from getting caught up in anxious thoughts. Overall, breath is a foundational tool that speakers can use to manage nerves and deliver confident and impactful presentations.
Practice and Preparation
Another essential strategy highlighted in the podcast is the significance of practice and preparation. Speakers are encouraged to fill up their toolbox with vocal and physical skills, and to warm up before speaking engagements. By having a plan of action and purposefully practicing specific techniques, speakers can build confidence, support their voice, and improve their overall presentation. The importance of having a pre-talk plan and rituals is emphasized, as they allow speakers to feel prepared and ready to engage with their audience.
Managing Mindset for Public Speaking
The podcast also emphasizes the importance of managing mindset when it comes to public speaking. The speaker shares personal experiences of panic attacks on stage and the fear that can accompany public speaking. It is highlighted that shifting the mindset from fear to excitement can be instrumental in managing nerves. By reframing thoughts and recognizing that nerves indicate care for the audience, speakers can channel the energy into a positive and confident presentation. The importance of recognizing limiting beliefs and focusing on the truth of the situation is also discussed.
It's About the Audience, Not About You
The podcast stresses the importance of remembering that public speaking is about the audience, not the speaker. Speakers are encouraged to be generous with their audience and focus on how they can provide value and engage the listeners. The concept of being interested rather than trying to be interesting is highlighted, as it allows speakers to build a genuine connection with the audience. By shifting the spotlight onto the audience and prioritizing their needs, speakers can create a memorable and impactful presentation.
Maria Tecce is an actress, singer, keynote speaker and Voice & Speech Coach. She uses all her experience and techniques as a performer and Voice and Speech Coach to empower business professionals and performers to take their public speaking and performance to the next level. Maria has coached for companies like KPMG, Ulster Bank, Bank […]
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