Does Christiane Amanpour Get The Jitters?

The former CNN reporter’s reporter star says, “Yes!” In her new role as anchor of ABC’s, “This Week,” which debuted on Sunday, the news vet admits to having new job jitters. Kudos to Christiane, she’s a pro!

I can’t think of one star in business, film, television, sports or politics who doesn’t experience anxiety before a performance, a new audience or delivering a speech. The challenge is knowing how to use it to your advantage.

If you’re like the majority of people I coach or have interviewed, you might get nervous or anxious, too. For most novices, “opening jitters” are a distraction, but a “pro” doesn’t want to be without ‘em! For me, it is an adrenaline rush just before stepping in front of a TV camera or for a live audience. Think of it as “show time.” The extra excitement can add the right edge to your presentation. It helps bring up the energy and your performance. And make no mistake, even executives need to get into performance mode if they want to connect with their audience.

Gold Star Actions: What can you do to overcome “the jitters?” Don’t fight your anxiety, instead, use it to your advantage to help you get excited about what your audience is going to receive from you. Prepare what you want to say. This is one of the biggest fears; people are afraid they will misspeak or make a fool of themselves. If you are well prepared, you can cover any mistake and keep moving…your audience won’t pick up on it.  Stop telling yourself how nervous you are, so are most people. Tell yourself you have a message to deliver and you are excited to be the one delivering it.

Start strong with your message. Keep in mind, audiences, clients or even your staff members, form impressions in those first few seconds. Clients, in almost every presentation workshop announce, “I’m okay after a few minutes.” Too late, the audience has left the building!

Many people who are driven to distraction with the “deer-in-the headlight” fright in front of an audience, are generally focusing on themselves. Worrying about how they’re coming across.  Turn it around and focus on the audience, it takes the pressure off you.  Finally, practice, breathe and savor your moment!

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