What is that feeling??

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.