[Image by Gerd Altmann of Pixabay]
When you hear the term “brain freeze” you may think of the all too common experience of eating or drinking something very cold…too fast. As an example, consider ice cream. Been there, done that. Although sometimes painful, it’s also quite temporary. The solution is ingesting or drinking more slowly.
The other type of brain freeze occurs to those who speak or give presentations. You may have heard it referred to as public speaking anxiety or it is often known as stage fright. It can happen to any of us and takes place when we draw a blank when speaking. Usually due to a lack of confidence so you start thinking about where to stand, is the audience interested, are you using too many gestures or not enough of them, concerns about vocal fillers. The list goes on and on and all of it contributes to that feeling of panic that speakers know all too well.
So what can you do in the event of brain freeze?
- Focus on the needs of your audience rather than delivering a perfect presentation.
- Use your breath—take a deep breath, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
- Look at your audience, focusing on a friendly face. Imagine conversing with that person.
- Glance at your notes. Avoid reading them but use them as a reminder of what comes next.
- Repeat the last phrase you used and that will typically restart your brain and where you want to be.
- You can also be candid and ask the audience: “Who can tell me where I left off?”
- Have a back-up plan and use it as needed.
- Be sure to implement these guidelines as you conduct your practice. Remember, you’re the expert on your topic. You can do this. And then …go get ’em!