It’s natural to get nervous before a big moment.
That’s particularly the case when you’ve got an important presentation or talk to deliver.
- All those people watching... bosses and customers... so much riding on it...
A little nervousness is useful in charging you up ready to perform.
But too much can damage the way you come across.
Which is where this trick comes in.
It can help you manage the nerves and ease your path towards peak performance.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of teaching the Cambridge Medtech Foundation the art of pitching for investment.
Then came the actual pitch night, in front of real life investors, plus lots more people, in the splendid surroundings of St John’s College, as you can see from the picture.
Although I could teach the groups everything that would be expected to appear in a good pitch…
From business case, to competitor analysis, to going to market strategy, and so much else…
By far the harder thing to get across was how to perform well.
Which is where my little trick came in.
I’m pleased to say the eight pitches were all of an excellent standard.
And I mean truly excellent.
I was flattered by how much the teams had listened to me, followed my advice, and then delivered.
Even more so that several people were kind enough to say one insight I had offered stayed with them, and particularly helped.
So, given I have now indulged in my favourite habits of (i) delayed gratification and (ii) storytelling, here comes the punchline…
- The trick itself
It’s all about switching the psychology of giving a talk or presentation, and it’s this:
Instead of being wracked and wrecked by nerves, think about it this way.
The subject you’re talking about, you know it inside out, don’t you?
You’re passionate about it, right?
You think it will change the world for the better.
You can improve the lives of so many people with it.
You live and breathe it.
You love it, and you’re utterly committed to it.
And now you’ve got an opportunity to talk about it to a captive audience.
In simple summary, this is your moment to strut your stuff and do your thing.
That thing which means so much.
- And there's the switch in your psychology
This isn’t an ordeal. It’s an opportunity.
This isn’t a trial. It’s a tremendous moment.
This isn’t a time to get nervous, but a chance to celebrate, inspire, and deliver.
Switch your psychology in that way and you’ll perform much more powerfully, I promise.
Now go for it, and good luck!