If your nervousness is in control of you, however, then the outcome of your presentation delivery is highly questionable. Instead, why not allow your adrenaline to feed your body rather than deplete it? Why fight that wonderful rush which has the power to be a tremendous boost to your delivery?
Adrenaline is a hormone released from your adrenal glands when your body experiences great stress, exhilaration or is involved in activities that are physically demanding.
When adrenaline is released into your body, EHow Contributing Writer Shannon Peddicord describes the physical experience in the following manner: "your body's airways and large blood vessels dilate to funnel larger amounts of oxygen, glucose and blood to the respiratory system, muscles and brain. This hormone release also increases your heart rate and blood-sugar levels, improving the body's performance."
On the other side of the adrenaline rush, however, is the release of this hormone caused by excessive fear of public speaking. In this situation, the hormone is not going to aid you in feeling stronger or more exhilarated but instead lead towards panic. If such is the case for you, the best means of controlling that rush of adrenaline is to learn to breathe with the support of your diaphragm, also known as deep breathing.
By breathing in this manner, your body's airways and large blood vessels will still be dilated resulting in more oxygen to the brain and the further elimination of toxins from your blood. (Unfortunately, your habitual manner of breathing actually increases your panic thereby increasing your fear because shallow breathing constricts your blood vessels and does not allow for the elimination of those toxins.)
In brief, the value of your nervousnessto your presentation is in its ability to produce adrenaline and in your ability to take control of it by means of deep, supported breathing. In doing so, you will find yourself more exhilarated at the lectern, more relaxed in your being, and more dynamic in your delivery. Nervousness is truly a blessing. Next time you are scheduled to make a presentation, take your adrenaline rush for a ride and see if you don't rise above your expectations!
