How Do You Remain Calm When Speaking to Important People / The Media?

[AGRP]

When I talk to the media I have a hard time keeping myself calm.

Any pointers? Any ways to practice? I can converse to my friends just fine (the only practice I can think of), but its so hard not to take over the conversation when its prime time :(

[Cutlerzzz]

Just tell them that they're all a bunch of Socialists and storm off.

[Warrior_of_Freedom]

I never try calling. All I would want to say is "...."

[AGRP]

By calm, I mean by not allowing the other person to talk. I dont get angry, but I raise my voice because of my passion :(

[YumYum]

Think about what you are saying and turn off the fact that people are watching you or listening to you. I used to have panic attacks when public speaking in college. They were horrible, but by staying focused on my thoughts and my message I overcame it.

[Warrior_of_Freedom]

Think about what you are saying and turn off the fact that people are watching you or listening to you. I used to have panic attacks when public speaking in college. They were horrible, but by staying focused on my thoughts and my message I overcame it.

What got me through that is I know 99% of them aren't listening anyway and could care less.

[AGRP]

Think about what you are saying and turn off the fact that people are watching you or listening to you. I used to have panic attacks when public speaking in college. They were horrible, but by staying focused on my thoughts and my message I overcame it.

I dont have a problem with nerves or speaking. Im quite experienced. I have a problem knowing that I have so many important things to say, so I try to get them all in before they throw me out. Its like this "Ive got my chance so I better make the best of it!" I would compare it to a looter in that they have to get all they can get while they can get it.

[Sentient Void]

Just tell them that they're all a bunch of Socialists and storm off.

Mises nods.

Friedman weeps.

[Legend1104]

Say out loud what you are going to say first before you call so you can get your ideas straight in your head. If you go in winging it you are more likely to get nervous and stumble over your words. Don't do it so much that it is rehearsed sounding, but at least two or three times to get the mechanics of your comments down pat. Breath deep is also important and make sure to put some air support behind your words. Many people forget to do that when speaking and then have trouble getting the words out.

One last tip. I always find that the longer I wait before speaking, the more and more nervous I get. If it is possible to speak right after you get your words prepared, you have less time to think about what your doing and how nervous you really are. The worst part is when you just start to speak. After you get started and hear yourself doing well, then you will get the confidence to do well. Hope that helps.

[moderate libertarian]

Imagine them in their underwear.

[davidhperry]

It comes with practice. Just remember that they are 'normal' people like you are, and you also imagine that you are just talking with your friends.

[ghengis86]

tell yourself to speak slowly. at least that's what I do. I have so many things i'd like to say, but then i get rushed, loud and stumble. I just think, "stay calm, speak slowly". you can think about the next few words that are coming out of your mouth without sounding like a caveman or an over-hyped crazy.

speak with confidence, even if you are unsure if you're making your point; people can pick up on a speaker without any confidence and dismiss them over that even if he says the right things.

and imagine them in their underwear!

[brushfire]

People are people... We start out and end the same... Live, laugh, love, eat sh!t... etc.. What's there to be nervous about?

If you know enough about a topic, and have something to say, just say it.
The only caveat - depending on the topic and the side of the issue you are on, reporters/media are known to CHHYEEENNGAAAA.... If you know what I mean.

[DamianTV]

When I talk to the media I have a hard time keeping myself calm.

Any pointers? Any ways to practice? I can converse to my friends just fine (the only practice I can think of), but its so hard not to take over the conversation when its prime time :(

Find a way that you can get used to being Comfortable outside of your Comfort Zone. It expands your Comfort Zone to include those Uncomfortable Not So Shower Fresh Situations.

IE, talk to people that you normally wouldnt talk to, or talk to your friends as if they were people that you also didnt know.

Or just imagine them all in their underwear.

[John of Des Moines]

Rehearse in your head (or out loud if you wish) what you are going to say.

[AGRP]

I think you guys quite understand :) This has nothing to do with being comfortable.

There's something inside of me that when its prime time I feel the need to fight the force. Its almost like an animal comes out and I need to defeat darth vader. Or, that tame bear that mauled that reporter. Lets put it this way: If I was Ron Paul, I would liable to completely ignore that door bell signaling and security would have to drag me out. Im beginning to think the only way to practice is to practice more "prime time" situations : /

[Jingles]

You seem like you are fine with talking with media, you just don't express yourself in the manner that you wish to. The key is to really stay on topic, make your arguments concise, easy to understand, and in a logical order. Also, examples of similar situation and analogies/metaphors are always good.

For example have a topic/something you want to explain. Think of a simple easy analogy/metaphor that can be used to represent it. Then explain your topic, say the analogy what its like, then explain what each piece of the analogy what you explained represents (or you can do all these at the same time in a way if you word it correctly). You want to be concise, simple yet complex, sound intelligent (well have an understanding of what you are arguing), and be able to take on unexpected questions that may arise (i.e. this is where the understanding of what you are arguing/philosophy is key).

Make your arguments in your head. Play devil's advocate on yourself so you can have a general idea of what their rebuttals might be to a point you might make. If you can have a general idea of what the other party's argument will be you can always stay calm for you will have the high ground and can swat away intellectually anything to refute your argument.

Also, try not to focus on your passion/emotion. Its a battle of minds not emotions.

[AGRP]

You seem like you are fine with talking with media, you just don't express yourself in the manner that you wish to. The key is to really stay on topic, make your arguments concise, easy to understand, and in a logical order. Also, examples of similar situation and analogies/metaphors are always good.

For example have a topic/something you want to explain. Think of a simple easy analogy/metaphor that can be used to represent it. Then explain your topic, say the analogy what its like, then explain what each piece of the analogy what you explained represents (or you can do all these at the same time in a way if you word it correctly). You want to be concise, simple yet complex, sound intelligent (well have an understanding of what you are arguing), and be able to take on unexpected questions that may arise (i.e. this is where the understanding of what you are arguing/philosophy is key).

Make your arguments in your head. Play devil's advocate on yourself so you can have a general idea of what their rebuttals might be to a point you might make. If you can have a general idea of what the other party's argument will be you can always stay calm for you will have the high ground and can swat away intellectually anything to refute your argument.

Also, try not to focus on your passion/emotion. Its a battle of minds not emotions.

Thats exactly what I do.

The most helpful post so far. Thanks.

Most media outlets are statists (neocons/etc), so I know Im up for a fight from the start. With this in mind, I cant stop my adrenaline from kicking in like Im literally going to fight. I want the public to hear as much information as possible because we all know they never hear any of the things that matter from the likes of Fox. Its as if I am running into a burning building trying to save as many lives as I can.

[VoluntaryAmerican]

When I talk to the media I have a hard time keeping myself calm.

Any pointers? Any ways to practice? I can converse to my friends just fine (the only practice I can think of), but its so hard not to take over the conversation when its prime time :(

Speak as if your talking to your friends... or on these forums, just be yourself. You will come across as normal i'm sure and will articulate your message as best you can. Don't overthink or sweat the pressure of the moment--or it will seem forced and akward.