I went to Seattle to teach people at Microsoft how to speak convincingly. Before the event, I practiced my speech in the same room. This helps me get used to the stress of speaking in front of people. Good stress makes you perform better, while bad stress can make you nervous.
To feel more confident and less anxious when speaking in public, it’s good to practice under a little bit of stress. Research shows that learning how to handle pressure can prevent mistakes during important moments.
Add Stress to Manage Nerves
Practicing under a small amount of stress helps you feel calm when it’s time to perform. It’s like practicing swimming in the ocean before actually swimming in the ocean—not in a pool.
When I rehearsed at Microsoft, I learned important things about the setup. Knowing these details ahead of time helped me feel more relaxed and enjoy the presentation.
By practicing under a little stress, I felt less nervous and more prepared for the real event. So, if you have an important speech coming up, make sure to practice with a little bit of stress to boost your confidence!
Vocabulary List:
Convincingly /kənˈvɪn.sɪŋ.li/ (adverb): In a way that causes someone to believe that something is true.
Anxious /ˈæŋk.ʃəs/ (adjective): Experiencing worry or unease.
Pressure /ˈprɛʃər/ (noun): The exertion of force upon an object.
Rehearsed /rɪˈhɪrst/ (verb): Practiced a speech performance or presentation ahead of time.
Relaxed /rɪˈlæksd/ (adjective): Free from tension and anxiety.
Prepared /prɪˈpɛrd/ (adjective): Ready for what is to come or for a specific purpose.
