It took me a long time to figure out how to handle my nerves. I remember the first time I sang in front of an audience, told my first Lore story onstage, and even gave presentations—I was overwhelmed with nervous energy. I didn’t know what to do with it. But one day, I discovered a secret: my nerves were actually my secret weapon. Instead of fighting them, I learned how to get more acquainted with them and use them to enhance my storytelling.
Here are the tips that helped me transform my nerves into a storytelling advantage:
1. Recognize Nerves as a Sign You Care
Feeling nervous means you care about what you’re sharing, and that’s a good thing! Embrace those butterflies as a reminder that your story matters to you and will matter to your audience too. The more you lean into this idea, the easier it is to stay connected to your message.
2. Turn Nervous Energy Into Enthusiasm
Nervous energy can translate into excitement. Instead of trying to calm down, use that energy to fuel your passion for the story. Let your voice and gestures show that you’re genuinely invested in what you’re saying. The audience will feed off that enthusiasm and become more engaged.
3. Focus on Your Core Message
Nerves can make your mind race, but instead of letting that distract you, use it to zero in on what’s most important in your story. Slow down, take a deep breath, and focus on your core message. Pausing to gather your thoughts not only calms you down but keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
4. Be Relatable and Real
People appreciate authenticity. If your voice shakes or you stumble a little, that’s okay—it makes you more relatable. Audiences often root for speakers who are genuine. Let your nervousness humanize you, and don’t be afraid to show vulnerability—it can make your story more powerful.
5. Practice to Build Confidence
While nerves won’t completely disappear, practice helps you manage them. The more you rehearse your story, the more familiar you’ll become with it, allowing you to channel nervous energy into focus and flow. Try practicing in front of friends or recording yourself—it’ll make a big difference when the time comes to tell your story.
In Conclusion...Nerves Are an Asset, Not an Enemy
Next time you feel nervous before telling a story, remember that those feelings can actually help you. By embracing your nerves and using them to fuel your passion, focus, and authenticity, you'll connect with your audience on a deeper level and tell an even better story!
Let us know how it goes! We’d love to hear how you turned your nerves into storytelling success—reach out and share your experience.
Te'Jal Cartwright is a storyteller, story coach, and owner of Lore Storytelling, where she helps individuals and organizations share their stories to connect with their authentic community.