My Simple Trick for Nervous Public Speakers
Confession: I am a nervous public speaker. But I have a simple trick I use to cut the tension in the room and build momentum. Learn how I use music to break the ice and create a memorable experience for my audience.
Sahil Bloom
Exploring my curiosity and sharing what I learn along the way. Gave up a grand slam on ESPN in 2012 and still waiting for it to land.
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Confession: I am a nervous public speaker.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 10, 2023
But I have a simple trick I use to cut the tension in the room and build momentum…
Here’s how it works: pic.twitter.com/Zq7JfeeHBX -
Yesterday, I gave the keynote at the ConvertKit Craft & Commerce conference in Boise.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 10, 2023
They asked me what song I wanted to enter to. They probably assumed I’d pick some upbeat pump up music.
I told them “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys. -
They thought I was joking, but I was dead serious.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 10, 2023
Why?
Doing something unexpected and funny early in a talk immediately cuts the anxiety and tension in the room.
When I entered to that song, I had a built in joke! -
“You’re probably wondering why I just entered to Girl on Fire…well, it’s my 1-year-old son’s favorite song, and I figured he’d be more excited to watch the replay if his Dad entered to his favorite jam.”
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 10, 2023
My anxiety disappeared when I saw the crowd’s smiling and laughing faces. pic.twitter.com/Uv5vIsPzSe -
The next time you’re nervous for a talk, find a way to cut the tension early and get people on your side.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 10, 2023
It just plain works! -
Fun Fact: I had not delivered the talk in full before doing it on stage yesterday.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 10, 2023
I practiced the opening/transitions, but try to avoid memorization.
I find that it’s easier to get thrown off if I memorize and then forget a line.
Speaking off the cuff works better for me. pic.twitter.com/WmJ8WXBJWU -
For those who have asked, my deck was made by my team over at Off Menu.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 10, 2023
They do all my design work.
Great for startups/businesses/brands with monthly ongoing design needs. https://t.co/4vwlocT5F5 -
ConvertKit put on a fantastic event.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 10, 2023
One of the great joys of the last several years of my life has been building a deep friendship with @nathanbarry.
He needs to work on his Blue Steel, but he’s one of the most kind, genuine, and real humans I know.
The sky is the limit. pic.twitter.com/4JbSJaHF2B -
By the way, Boise is awesome. Great food, coffee, beer, and outdoor culture. Kind people.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 10, 2023
Definitely on my list of underrated cities in America.
Other Underrated Cities:
- Minneapolis
- DC
- Cleveland -
Just walked in the door. Roman says he appreciated my walk out song.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 10, 2023
There’s no place like home. pic.twitter.com/Wx06IDxAPa