Ivan and the Fear of Public Speaking
The Patient Public Speaker: How Ivan Endures His Anxiety
Standing behind that podium just a few hours ago, gripping your shaking hands together, you felt it again. That familiar wave of nerves as all those eyes fixed on you, waiting for your words.
The dry mouth, the pounding heart, and the legs that felt strangely disconnected from your body. You still feel the aftershocks of the adrenaline coursing through you as you willed yourself to speak clearly before the silent crowd.
You thought it might be easier this time, Ivan.
You've hosted this type of event for years, after all.
You figured your hundredth time speaking before people would make it routine and effortless. Yet there you were, your pulse racing under the bright lights, caught in that same old web of anxiety and self-doubt.
Handling the logistics, greeting attendees, and keeping everything on schedule is second nature. But then taking that stage still hits you like a physical blow, right?
Why is it still so hard? You know this crowd, these familiar faces in the audience. They're your community; many are even friends cheering you on. You prepared for weeks, refining and rehearsing until you could deliver every line in your sleep. You remind yourself of the compliments on your speech last year’s congratulations on a job well done.
Despite all that, the same demons creep in. That nagging inner voice warns you you'll stumble, lose your mark, and draw blank stares rather than applause this time.
So you dig deep once more, Ivan.
You clench your shaking hands into fists and draw that breath. Your voice catches at first, but you push the words out. As you talk, you feel yourself settle in; your gestures get smoother, and your tone becomes more assured. You start to find the rhythm of it. You make them laugh, and it fuels you. The nerves recede until, finally, you stick to the landing. Another day on the podium is done and behind you.
Know that it will likely take a lot of work. The butterflies may forever flutter before you take the stage. Each time you open your mouth to address a crowd, you stand at the cliff's edge with all your old fears staring back.
Remember this too, Ivan: you've faced this dozens of times before, yet you've never buckled or failed. Though it feels new each time, you have experience on your side. Let that encourage you.
The fright may not fade, but your courage to push past it grows.
