No matter how experienced, high-achieving, or executive my clients are, they always share an unease about confronting a room full of people.
The spotlight. The expectant faces. The weight of your message. Stepping onto a stage, whether it’s a physical platform or a virtual screen, can trigger a cascade of uncomfortable emotions.
Anxiety, fear, self-doubt – these unwelcome guests can quickly derail even the most seasoned speakers. But what if you could learn to not just cope with stage fright, but to transcend it?
The secret lies not in fighting your discomfort, but in understanding and accepting it.
By cultivating a simple yet powerful daily habit, you can separate yourself from your anxieties, tap into your inner confidence, and transform your stage presence.
I want to feel comfortable on stage
Last week I asked a client of mine, who is a CEO, preparing for the yearly leadership meeting: “When will your speech be a success?” And his answer was: “When I will feel comfortable on the stage.” I was glad and grateful that he shared how he felt about being on stage. So we could analyse the unease and find a way forward.
“Self-mastery is power.”
I shared daily Ritual for managing your emotional state
This isn’t about quick fixes or superficial affirmations. This is about building a solid foundation of self-awareness and inner strength. Dedicate a few moments each morning or evening to this practice:
– Slow Down
– Sit with Your Uncomfortableness
– Observe Your Thoughts
– Give Them Space. Let Them Exist
– Separate Yourself From Your Discomfort
– Tune In With Your Desirable Feelings
– Affirm Your Desired State
In doing so, you will quickly build your unshakable confidence.
Validation from Within: Redefining Success
One of the most powerful aspects of this practice is the emphasis on internal validation. Too often, our fear of public speaking stems from a desire for external approval – the need to impress, to be liked, to be seen as successful.
By shifting your focus inward and defining success on your own terms, you can liberate yourself from the pressure of external expectations.
Ask yourself:
– What does a successful presentation look like to me?
– What values do I want to embody on stage?
– How can I use this opportunity to connect with my audience and share my message authentically?
Don’t depend on others for validation because if you do, you give your power away.
“Going from being worried about what might happen to being excited about what might happen is only a mindset shift away.”
When you measure your success based on your own internal compass, the opinions of others lose their power.
Accessing Your Confident Self
This daily ritual is not a one-time fix, but part of a continuous practice of self-empowerment.
By slowing down, acknowledging your discomfort, and tuning into your desired feelings, you can cultivate a deep sense of inner confidence that will radiate from the stage.
Remember, you are not limited to your thoughts and emotions. You are more than your fears and anxieties. You have the power to access the comfortable, confident speaker within. Start cultivating this habit today, and unlock your true potential on stage.