Public Speaking Nightmare and How You Can Change It Into Gold
In my sophomore year of high school, I was cast in my first play. Additionally, I got a real lesson in staying present, improv, and dealing with a public speaking nightmare during the run of that show.
One night in the middle of my big scene with Nick Bottom, the weaver (shown here), everything was going great!
And then, I got to the line “Thou art as wise as thou art beautiful.” And I forgot it. No, I didn’t forget it. It disappeared as if Shakespeare never even wrote it. I froze on stage and everyone watched as my insides turned to dust. I was blank.
So, I did the only thing I could. I raised my chin and sniffed, “Well!”
It wasn’t the line David (Nick Bottom) was expecting and had zero to do with what was happening in the scene, but like a complete trooper, he just gave his next line. Then, like a bolt of lightning, I remembered where I was and how to speak English. The words came back and we continued. And the audience actually applauded when we finished the scene.
Possible Scenarios
I could have cried or run off stage. Those ideas tempted me in the split second. I chose to stay and risk making a complete fool of myself. Because even at 15, I realized (somewhere deep inside), that we *all* have those moments when we’re tested.
That’s why I always tell my students and workshop participants that it is possible to get over public speaking phobias.
We all have that nightmare of being on stage and completely forgetting what you’re supposed to do or say.
Well, it actually happened to me. And I survived. It was just a moment in time for the people who watched it happen. I still remember it today almost 40 years later.
If I can survive it, you will too. And I can show you how.
First, remember, every single one of us has had a moment like the one you’re having. And second, no one watching wants you to fail. In fact, it’s the opposite. They are rooting for you to succeed. You have to trust your commitment and your creative problem-solving skills, and you will get through it.
What’s your nightmare-in-public moment? Comment below.
If you like what you’re reading, tell a friend.