Ask the Experts: What would you say to someone on how to deal with stage performance nerves?
Scott Sykora, Sykora Auction Service, Inc.
Did you know that the fear of public speaking has a scientific name?
It’s called “glossophobia”, and it affects approximately 40% of the population. If you’ve ever seen an auctioneer in action, firing off their chant and rolling with the punches, you might assume they’ve never experienced a single butterfly in their stomach. Turns out, you couldn’t be more wrong.
Even auctioneers get nervous being on stage from time to time! Don’t believe us? They told us themselves!
(When asked if he was nervous for his first auction) “Oh my Lord! You have invested a lot of money, time, energy, pride, and then you’re going to put it all on display hoping it’s going to be enough. One of the best pieces of advice that I got from one of the instructors was to practice in the mirror. You can’t face an audience until you face yourself. That mirror is the best audience you got. It was one of the best training tools I had. Today I can’t wait for them to hand me the microphone.” Barry Cole, United Country A.B. Cole & Associates Auction & Realty
“That’s a great question. For me, the bigger the crowd, the more comfortable I am, the smaller the crowd, the less comfortable I am. You have to be energetic up there. As an auctioneer, you thrive off the energy of the crowd and they thrive off yours. Sometimes jokes will slip out because you’re talking faster than they can think, but everyone laughs and you keep the energy going.” Scott Sykora, Sykora Auction Service, Inc.
“All of us have nervous tendencies when stepping on stage. Be prepared, practice your chant, know your product in advance.” Lamar Fisher, Fisher Auction Company
“Stage performance nerves are normal. Learn to look above their heads, so you aren’t distracted by anyone’s expression. And remember, they are there to get what you’re selling, it’s not really about you!” Stan Crooks, Auction America Inc.
“‘Don’t practice so much that you get it right. Practice so much that you can’t get it wrong!’ Thorough and effective preparation will greatly ease the nerves. Some anxiousness is good and it gets the energy flowing. If you ever loose the gravity and seriousness of what we do, it’s time to find another occupation.” John S. Nicholls, Nicholls Auction Marketing Group
*According to nationalsocialanxietycenter.com