My journey to banishing nerves. Explained with my morning mug of coffee.

I started my journey to learn all about public speaking, and improve my own ability, about 10 years ago.

Because, on a bad day, nerves would get to me and impact the way I delivered presentations. I mean, it was only occasionally, but still not ideal when you work in Marketing, and communication is the most important skill.

Nowadays however, nervousness never affects me.

And this is the explanation why, using my morning mug of coffee to illustrate it.


Empty mug, empty head.

When I used to step up to speak, my mind often went places I didn’t want it to.

My head was like an empty mug. Ready to be filled with unhelpful thoughts.

Thoughts like:
- What if I forget my words?
- I hate everyone staring at me.
- What if I go blank?
- What if it all goes wrong?

In the build up to a big presentation, those anxious ponderings had a habit of sneaking in and filling the space. Or the empty coffee mug.

Over the course of 10 years of study and practise into public speaking, I realised I was changing. I was starting to fill my head with more useful thoughts.

I've recently come to realise I'm now taking control of what I'm pouring in.


The 95% full mug.

Nowadays, before a speech or presentation, my head is filled with:
- What’s my first line?
- What’s my last line?
- What’s the structure in between?
- Am I standing tall and straight?
- Am I speaking with clarity?

Once I began doing this, there was far less space for anxious thoughts to creep in.

The mug wasn’t empty anymore. It was already filled with the things that would actually help me deliver.


Leave a little room.

Of course, no coffee mug is ever filled to the absolute brim. There’s always a tiny bit of space at the top.

It’s the same with public speaking. Even when my head is full of focus and preparation, there’s still a sliver of nervousness.

But I now see that as a positive.

That small dose of adrenaline is useful. It gives me energy, sharpens my delivery, and adds a bit of spark to my performance.

Too much nervousness and you feel overwhelmed.
None at all and you risk sounding flat.
But a little - just that gap at the top of the mug - is exactly what brings a talk to life.


To sum up

If you're feeling nervous or anxious before a presentation or speech, then think of your head like an empty coffee mug.

It's not a permanent problem. It’s just a sign you haven’t filled it with the right things yet.

So, fill it on purpose.

Be clear about your first line, your last line, your structure, and your delivery.
Let that focus take up most of the space.
And when a little nervous energy still finds its way in, welcome it.
It’s the final splash that gives your speech some oomph.

Hate public speaking? Let’s fix that.
Start the journey to banish your fear of public speaking and presenting, improve your confidence, and boost your career prospects. Check out the online masterclass here at Better Public Speaking.