“I feel like vomiting,” a newbie speaker once told me. “I get so nervous that my mouth goes dry, my palms sweat and stomach is tied up in a balls of nerves,” she continued.

“I know. Isn’t it great?!” was my reply.

She looked at me like I had three heads.

Glossophobia, also known as fear of public speaking, paralyzes many people to the point that they would rather DIE than get on stage. Other people, like your Uncle Dave, dig it.

Being on stage is where I feel at home. I’ve love it  ever since I did my first magic show in front of my family after Thanksgiving dinner at my grandmother’s home when I was eight year old.

Here’s the dealio about fear:

If can only conquer you, if you let it. The best way to defeat fear is to face it head on and do the thing you fear.

People often ask me if I still get nervous before I step on stage? I prefer to re-frame “nervous” to “excited.” Of course, I have some nerves before I speak. That’s natural and important. It gives you an edge.

One of the key’s to making sure your nerves give you an edge and not bring you to your knees, is preparation. If you practiced and rehearse your talk, so you know it backwards and forwards, you will walk out on stage with confidence. One of the secrets of effective rehearsal is to imagine and see in your mind’s eye, a live audience in front of you.

I also have a before “show time” ritual that fills me power and confidence and makes my nerves disappear. I’ll tell you about that tomorrow.

But for now, know that being a little nervous before you speak is normal – even if you’re  a seasoned pro. In fact, as I write this from bed  in a Chicago hotel room, I can already feel my excitement and nerves growing for the four hour live broadcast I’m doing today. Thousands of people from around the world are going to be watching. It’s going to be a blast.

If you have not reserved your spot for the training about creating the ultimate 12 month marketing plan that’ll put your profits on overdrive and confound your competitors while giving you more personal freedom, whatcha waiting for?

Register here so you don’t get locked out.

Kick butt, make mucho DEEnero!

Dave “No Glossophia” Dee