Managing Nerves: The moment before

10/06/19 • 12 min

We have many sequences on previous podcast episodes that help you warm up and prepare ahead of a performance or a presentation, but what about that moment right before you get up to speak? That moment, while you are waiting, is often nerve-wracking. This is a short sequence that coaches you through where to place your focus in that moment before, allowing you to stay present, rather than in another world thinking about how nervous you are. You can listen to it ahead of time and then keep the sequence in mind whenever you are in ‘the moment before’. The sequence is very simple but very effective!

Previous Episode

Rib Opening Sequence

This episode is a gentle rib opening sequence that will help you breathe more easily. This is great if you find deep breathing difficult or if you find you often hold your ribs in place and they don’t seem to move with ease. Having easy rib movement is key to a powerful voice. So get something comfortable to lie on and grab some pillows– you definitely want to be comfy for this gentle sequence.

Happy breathing!

Next Episode

Voice Work for Social Settings

This is our first podcast episode in our new format, where Lindsay and I discuss a question from YOU, our listeners. The question we talked about in this episode is:
It’s strange- when performing I find speech easier and more controlled but in social settings I often find myself stumbling over my words or find it difficult to make my words clear. However if I try and use the techniques I use to speak clearly on stage in social settings I find it comes across as wrong for the situation. How can I combat this without over-effort?
This is such a great question and definitely resonated with us. Communicating in social situations can be tricky-- it can be hard to be ourselves sometimes!
We talk through where this issue has come up for us, and some ideas for what to do when you're finding it hard to articulate yourself in social situations. Themes that come up are:

Rather than focusing your attention so much inward on how you're talking as you're talking, bring your attention back out into your environment. How can you get more curious about your environment and who you're talking to? How can that shift of attention help re-ground you into the present moment?
The usefulness of thinking about breathing to people as you speak.
When you feel you're over-efforting, ask yourself, how can I do less? As you start to do less, you may begin to see more, feel more relaxed, and breathe more easily.
The difference between technique and working really hard.

We'd be curious to hear what you think about our responses, and if you have some thoughts on your own on this question! Feel free to email us at [email protected].