Public Speaking Eka Yuliana Widiawati

Rather than trying to eliminate every trace of stage fright, you should aim
at transforming it from a negative force into what one expert calls positive
nervousness—“a zesty, enthusiastic, lively feeling with a slight edge to it. . . .
It’s still nervousness, but it feels different. You’re no longer victimized by it;
instead, you’re vitalized by it. You’re in control of it.” 10
Don’t think of yourself as having stage fright. Instead, think of it as
“stage excitement” or “stage enthusiasm.” 11 It can help you get focused and
energized in the same way that it helps athletes, musicians, and others get
primed for a game or a concert. Actress Jane Lynch, talking about her gig
hosting Saturday Night Live, said that she got through it with “that perfect
cocktail of nervousness and excitement.” Think of that cocktail as a normal
part of giving a successful speech.