Recently I was shooting a video to promote an organizational event and had a recurring experience. While I sat waiting for
my turn to face the camera and was trying to phrase my sentences in my mind I
felt my mouth go dry and my heart pounding.
What really worried me was not this feeling but rather a self-assumed
fact that since I have done this several times I should not be anxious any
longer. As I sat with my mind racing to recollect all similar occasions where I
have faced the camera or addressed a large group to convince myself it is going
to be alright, I had an epiphany.
Maybe this feeling
of anxiousness is actually a blessing in disguise.
If you take a moment and think about it one would realize
that being anxious before a critical meeting or when presenting to a large
audience is something we all would have experienced. What we seldom fail to
realize that being anxious is not a sign of weakness but actually an indicator
of the fact that you really value the task at hand and hence are concerned
about giving a solid performance.
I actually fear the day when I would not be anxious going
into a meeting, while giving a presentation, addressing a large group because
it would be an indicator of the fact that “I do not value the task at hand as
much as I should”. While seasoned speakers would tell you that stage or camera
fright gets better with experience they also mention that some form of
anxiousness before attempting a critical task is nothing but natural.
Remember that being anxious is nothing more but your mind
reminding you that you have to give your best. Take a deep breath, go in with a
positive attitude and get the job done !!
If I ever completely lost my nervousness I would be
frightened half to death.
Paul Lynde ~ An American comedian and actor.
