Stop Saying Um (And Fix the Other Vocal Tics That Are Sabotaging Your Speaking)

Navigating Nerves

Managing nerves in public speaking is about navigation, not suppression. Michael Hoeppner emphasizes that trying to battle nerves only amplifies them, suggesting instead to embrace them as a sign of investment and care 1. He advises focusing on physical actions, like grounding your feet or mindful breathing, to redirect attention from nerves to more productive activities 2.

Your goal is not to distract yourself with something utterly arbitrary like just imagine your audience in their underwear.

--- Michael Hoeppner

By concentrating on these tangible elements, nerves naturally diminish, allowing for a more effective presentation.

   

Focus Redirection

Redirecting focus from nerves to actionable measures can significantly enhance presentation effectiveness. Hoeppner describes eye contact as an activity rather than a trait, encouraging speakers to seek non-verbal feedback from their audience to improve communication 3. He also suggests physical drills, like the finger walking exercise, to replace self-criticism with tangible improvement 4.

Instead of feeling bad about the same behavior it feels for now, years or decades, even if there's something that you feel bad about, stop feeling bad about it by actually doing something about it.

--- Michael Hoeppner

This approach fosters a cycle of continuous improvement and confidence in public speaking.