During Zoom online meetings, do your nerves suddenly go on ‘red alert’ when you are asked to share your insights and opinions? Many people freeze when they are on Spotlight mode. How about you? Do you sometimes wish you were invisible so you wouldn’t be called to participate?
FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
Public speaking is said to be the Number One fear in the world. What I have observed in the past two years of online meetings is: ‘Spotlight Anxiety’.
Here are some comments I’ve gathered from people who absolutely hate being the center of attraction.
l I might give the wrong answer.
l My English grammar is not perfect. They might laugh at me.
l The pimples on my face are so obvious on camera, and my nose is too big.
THE BODY-MIND CONNECTION
Many online meeting participants shift to panic mode when the spotlight is on them. How about you? Do you ever experience any of these symptoms when asked to share during zoom meetings?
l Fast heart rate and shortness of breath
l Sweating and trembling
l Mental block
DEFAULT MODE
Let me share a story. My friend Dolly is a brilliant researcher and writer. But when asked for a statement on-the-spot, her mind goes blank. Her default is to say: I’m not in a position to decide that. What? Nobody asked for an earth-shattering major decision.
ON-THE-SPOT
You don’t have to consult Google to search for the ‘perfect’ answer when hanging around with friends, right? So, think about this. Go on conversation mode when it’s your turn to speak on camera.
Imagine yourself enjoying the company of friends or office-mates during lunch break. Do you realize that you easily share insights and opinions during candid conversations? Keep that mindset and you will be able to survive spotlight anxiety.
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
It’s not you against the world when the camera is on you. Just have a conversation with participants in the room. This is not a case of oral exams or class recitation to get high grades back in school.
1. Eye contact. Take a deep breath and focus your eyes on that tiny camera light on the screen. Participants in the meeting will feel that you are connected to them.
2. Focus on the task at hand. Avoid becoming a ‘scatterbrain’ and reciting everything you know about the topic.
3. Make one clear point to Start and End your opinion, so people understand exactly what your message is.
Be Clear + Precise + Concise.
Stop worrying about being judged. Not-so-perfect answer? Not beautiful enough? Relax. You are not a contestant in the Q & A segment of the Miss Universe contest!
vivienshowandtell@gmail.com