Business Letter: Nervous Mannerisms

What Do You Do When You Are Nervous?

Everyone has different reactions to nervousness. By being aware of your particular nervous mannerism, you can work to overcome them.

Here are some common mannerisms exhibited when giving a speech.

Do you do any of them?

Bite your fingernails Tap your feet Wave your hands/arms Play with your hair Move around a lot Speak too fast Speak too slowly Become stiff Shake/Shudder Play with objects in pockets, etc. Make strange facial expressions

Say "uh", "uhm" Tap on the table/podium Repeat yourself Breathe heavily Sweat Giggle Pause inappropriately Clam up/Become speechless Shift your eyes Move your head around Gesture inappropriately

 

If you do any of the above, it can be distracting to your audience. Being aware of what you do is the first step to overcoming the habit. Watch a video of yourself, or have a colleague or friend watch you make a presentation and then give you feedback on your good and bad points. He/She can also point out if you are using any of the above nervous mannerisms.

   
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