Getting real with stage fright myths (and why they’re holding you back)

Myths about stage fright are pesky and annoying (kind of like mosquitoes on a summer evening in July).

We carry these beliefs about stage fright in our minds and never realize how much damage they're doing. Just like mosquitoes, negative myths will do everything possible to drive us crazy…and create more obstacles stopping us from reaching our goals.

So, if we want to build our public speaking skills, it’s time to debunk these pesky, buzzing myths for good.

Debunk 3 stage fright myths

Fire up the citronella candle, slap away, and let’s debunk these 3 common stage fright myths.

MYTH #1: You have to be “born” with talent to be good in front of an audience. 

Many people use this as an excuse. "I'm just not talented." 

And I was the same way for years, convinced I just didn’t have the DNA to be dazzling or applause-worthy.

Hogwash. 

Turns out that strong, confident performance or public speaking is a set of skills, not a genetic trait. No one is “born” with stage presence (just like no one's born knowing how to drive a car or knit a sweater).

And blaming our stage fright on our genetic heritage is nonsense.

You can learn almost anything. Like how to cook a French omelette (with a little help from Julia Child). Or how to re-wire that lamp in your living (but leave the tough electrical stuff to the experts, kids).

With time, patience, and practice, we can BE SUPERHEROS. Dazzle audiences. Build great businesses or brands. Get the corner office. Rock the world. 

This work has nothing to do with inbred "talent", and everything to do with the skills we build and learn.  

So, slap the mozzies away, and remember you can make an impact no matter who you are.  

MYTH #2: You have to be “fake” to make a big splash.

Not that long ago, many public speaking coaches trained their clients to “lose their accent” and conform to rigid standards to be acceptable to audiences. (I’m not joking, I’ve listened to recorded coaching programs that spend hours teaching clients how to speak in a “neutral” way without a New York swagger or Southern twang.)

Luckily, we’re a little more open to differences of all kinds, although stigma still persists.

Ultimately, audiences care more about the WORK you do. The problems you solve. And how you can help them live a better life.

Authenticity is ALWAYS better than fake polish or made-up perfection.

Remember, no matter how "perfect" and "well-rounded" someone is, they can’t replace your knowledge, your passion, and your insight into the work that you do.

So, be REAL.

Swat mozzies. Swig your coffee. And do the work you need to do.

MYTH #3: You have to be extroverted to make it in the spotlight.

Raise your hand if this sounds familiar:

“I’m so shy, so no one will ever listen to what I have to say.”

“Oh, I’m not extroverted, so I can’t ever talk on stage.”

“It’s just my personality. I’ll never make it in front of an audience.” 

Ugh. 

We all have these painful beliefs rattling around in our brain. There’s always a little voice inside of us muttering that we should be more extroverted, more outgoing, more dynamic.

But it's this belief of "something more" we're missing that holds us back from success. 

We can ALWAYS find something wrong with ourselves, like bad teeth, or the wrong horoscope sign, or a chubby tummy. We never believe that we’re enough just on our own.

Forget this nonsense…because we are awesome and amazing RIGHT NOW (chubby tummy and all). Because remember, sharing with audiences has NOTHING to do with "personality", being extroverted, or in-born "talent".

Here’s to a mosquito-free summer, friends.