A Case of the Butterflies
by Debbie Waugh, Green Spring Historian
Some studies have revealed public speaking to be the thing people fear more than death. It’s even topped the horrific, though common, fear of being buried alive.
Debbie Waugh lecture. Photo by Karen Heyda JacksonIt sounds extreme, but I’ll wager that every programmer at Green Spring experiences at least a minor case of the “butterflies” before taking to the podium.
It’s a fear that hits home for me, and it’s rooted in our ancient past when eyes watching us could mean predators waiting to pounce and eat us. The prehistoric fight-or-flight response of our ancestors triggered physical discomforts like rapid breathing, flushed cheeks, trembling, dry mouth, and that fluttering feeling in the stomach. Millennia later, that fear of being watched has shifted onto public speaking. Our brains react in the same way to a perceived danger, and we suffer the same cascade of distressing symptoms. Today, we know that our audiences won’t pounce and eat us…but they will definitely judge us. Going “onstage” before those watchful eyes exposes us to the threat of failure and rejection, a literal death sentence for our ancient ancestors, and a fate worse than death for many of us now.
Even the most seasoned public speakers must deal with the fear factor. As Mark Twain said: "There are two types of speakers: those that are nervous and those that are liars." Sir Lawrence Olivier, one of the world’s most celebrated stage actors, endured years of crippling stage fright. It's primal and it’s in our DNA. Public speaking = rejection + public humiliation. Bury me alive now, please.
Those butterflies in the tummy and that rush of adrenaline can make for a better presentation by galvanizing us to stay sharp and agile. It’s fight or flight after all! But it’s not pleasant. For public speakers seeking ways to cope, there’s a wealth of professional advice. Some tactics may not work for everyone, but others are key to easing speaker stress and giving an engaging talk.
Prepare well and practice, practice, practice beforehand. A strong, audience-grabbing introduction that projects excitement (rather than anxiety) creates rapport and anticipation. Make eye contact with audience members in all corners of the room. Incorporate stories and use humor. Turn that dread into enjoyment. If the speaker isn’t enjoying the experience, it’s unlikely that the audience will.
My own hard-learned piece of advice: Always bring water to the podium. Years ago, I gave a presentation entitled “The Potato Travelled the Globe and Changed Our World.” I had prepared meticulously, but I was nervous. My mouth became so dry it felt like I had a potato stuck to my tongue…and no water at hand. Never again.
Audience members can help. Spare a thought for the plight of the nervous speaker (we all are, at least in the first few minutes) and be a friendly face. Offer support by filling out evaluation forms and providing feedback to help us hone our skills. (Please remember to silence your phones too!)
In return, Green Spring programmers will continue to work hard to provide well-prepared, informative, and enjoyable programs for our guests, knowing that the fear will pass and that a fleeting case of butterflies in the tummy – or potato in the mouth – can’t be worse than being buried alive.
Please note: All history-themed lectures that precede Historic House teas are available to attend as a “lecture only” option. Call us at 703-941-7987 to sign up.
Karen Heyda Jackson Lecture. Photo by Debbie Waugh
