I don't get nervous…ha-ha…oh yeah right! For some reason, nerves have been on my mind a lot lately.
Story #1.
I host a Top 40 Morning Show. I do a contest every Friday where I play guitar and the listener guesses what I'm playing. Believe it or not, I was nervous when we started doing this contest, even though I've played for 20 years (Just had my anniversary Mar 14) and studied as a Guitar Major at RDC School of Music…I was still nervous.
BUT, last week I was strumming along to some Dire Straits during the On-Air contest on the radio and the thought suddenly hit me…"Hey! I'm not nervous anymore! How cool is that?!"
Moral of story number 1…Everyone is nervous when they put themselves out there…but keep at it and you'll break through.
Story #2.
Recently I was asked to moderate an All Candidates Forum where the public could ask questions of the politicians to see who they were going to vote for. I started getting nervous for this about 36 hours before hand. I kept thinking…I'm a fun guy…why did I ever say yes to a group of politicians. My brain went nuts! I envisioned a riot, people screaming and shouting, babies crying….oh my….how bad was it going to be? Well, when it was finally finished, the candidates came over and said it was the best forum they'd ever been apart of and thanked me for keeping such a firm grip on the entire evening.
Moral of story 2 … Nerves are good because they hold you accountable and show you care about doing a great job.
Story #3.
In the On-air Publicity Training program, I do mock interviews with my clients so they can feel exactly what it's like doing a radio interview. Here's what one of my clients sent after the interview.
"Thanks a lot for the interview today. It was fun, a bit unnerving, but fun!
I was surprised… I was excited and comfortable before the interview began, but as soon as it started I became much more nervous than I thought I'd be. Your help with this process has been invaluable." S. M.
Moral of story number 3…It doesn't matter how confident you are before an interview, as soon as that LIVE red light goes on….you will get nervous. Everyone does. Don't be shocked or choke up. It's an experience. Now go back to story #1 and know that…this too shall pass.
Thanks for your time and much success to you!
Wayne
