Urgent please help! Coping with nerves

[SalIy]

Hi,

I have to go on TV (prerecord) in 2.5 hours over zoom. I wasn’t expecting this but my colleague who initially agreed has called off sick.

I am bricking myself. This is the first time I will be on TV and I am sooo nervous.

Any tips to deal with the nerves please??

It doesn’t help I’ve come into work with no makeup!

Propanalol? Prob too short notice

Rescue Remedy? Kalms?
Failing that, deep breaths, count down from 5 ( or ten) one number on each out breath. You can alternate a number with the word Calm in your head if you prefer.
Good luck.

Bear pose:
Go somewhere quiet
Stand with your feet wide apart, get a good strong stance
Raise your arms wide above your head
Take a load of deeeeeep breaths, the deepest you can go
If you feel the need, do little claws with your hands and growl like a bear

Sounds stupid but it works. Psychology says that body language informs how you feel, in the same way that fake smiling can actually make you smile, doing aggressively confident body language can help.

Thanks everyone so much for the advice! There’s a boots close to work and I’m going to pop out now to try and find some rescue remedy. Never used it before but it’s worth a shot.

Please keep any advice coming.

When? If you have time get a prescription for Propanalol. It's a lifesaver for nerves

@nomistake No time I’m afraid. I’m at work in London, I live an hour away. I don’t think I can get a prescription sorted out in time.

There is lots of beer and wine in the staff fridge. I don’t drink but I am tempted!

Rescue remedy makes me a lot worse so I'd be careful with it!

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be great 😁

I’ve had to do this and the nerves were overwhelming at first

The one piece of advice I got from the news presenter AFTER the interview was to have prepared exactly what you want to say and just SAY THAT whatever the question is.

Don’t try too hard to answer the actual (often weird) questions the presenters ask. They aren’t SME’s and the questions aren’t always great.

good luck

Remember to breathe, smile and talk slowly. Oh and also keep some water handy to keep you hydrated, also helps but you some thinking time if you have a trickier question 😉

The benefit of it being over video is you can keep some bulletpointed notes off camera to help keep you on message/save you from mind blanks.

If they haven’t already allowed some time for it, request a pre-chat with the interviewer before the recording so they can fill you in on what to expect, likely topics they want to cover and the general format for the recording. I work in PR and always find having a clear idea of what to expect helps put most of my spokespeople at ease, as does getting to know the interviewer beforehand so you’ve had a chance to build rapport.

Best of luck, I’m sure you’re going to ace it!

I had to do this, many years ago (ironically because the person who was meant to do it - who was well-prepared, all dressed up and perfectly groomed - had a panic attack and fled the building, taking all her notes with her!!). I ended up on the evening news in a scruffy old jumper with barely-brushed hair and no make-up, talking about a study that I had not been even remotely involved in and had had five minutes' preparation about. I was petrified but it was OK. I try to reframe scary things in my head in terms of the funny story I'll tell about them afterwards, which helps me to get through them.

I don't think they just hand out prescriptions for propanalylol like smarties!

Not had experience of this but am a very nervous when giving presentations. Before my last one I thought of some of my proudest achievements, channelled a confident colleague and did hit the rescue remedy - and it was the best presentation I've ever given. Good luck!

Good advice already given. In addition, if you haven't yet been to Boots, maybe think about getting yourself a cheap lippie/tinted lipbalm, if that's something you would normally wear, and might give you a bit of extra confidence. Good luck!

Thanks everyone for all your advice and anecdotes it’s incredibly helpful. I’ve just been told it’s a 10 minute slot. Luckily I was involved in the study but I’m just worried they might be an aggressive interviewer and try to catch me out on something. Eek.

@SpongeBobJudgeyPants I hadn’t even thought of that. My lips are incredibly dry and cracked along the edges. Will see if I can pick some up.

Oh no apologies for my useless advice. Yes go get some makeup from boots and maybe speak to the pharmacist there to see if there is anything they can give OTC. Maybe have a shot of whiskey? Only half joking...

How did it go, @SalIy ?