By Devshi Saxena,
Intern, Oake Media              

Legs bouncing, sweat trickling down, fidgeting, and fretting—these are common occurrences before an interview, but they’re often misinterpreted as abnormal. While not everyone experiences such symptoms, feeling nervous before big moments is truly a rite of passage. The key to managing these nerves is learning to channel your anxiety into something more positive and productive.
College athlete Sydney Eckstein offers insight into how to approach such situations with grace. Having played tennis for over ten years, Eckstein is no stranger to pre-game jitters. But over time, she has learned to maintain her composure and thrive in her sport. She credits her growth to the support of her team and the practice of “positive self-talk.” According to Eckstein, this practice gives her a sense of comfort and calms her while performing.
To maximize the benefits, make positive self-talk a habit. Create a routine where you repeat specific affirmations before interviews. Incorporate it into your lifestyle; you can talk to yourself in the mirror while getting ready, or as Eckstein suggests, blast your favorite tunes to relax and get energized. She believes the key to success lies in transforming nervous energy into something that “excites you and fuels you.” Having this kind of ‘pre-game’ routine will not only boost your mood but also reaffirm your belief that you’re capable of handling whatever comes your way.
More often than not, people hold themselves back due to fear of the unknown. Interviews embody that fear—requiring on-the-spot thinking and clear communication, which pushes many to retreat into their comfort zones. To move forward, it’s crucial to step out of those boundaries by accepting that feeling anxious and apprehensive is normal. With practice, these nerves can become easier to handle. As Eckstein puts it, “It’s all about attitude, it’s all about mindset.”
Keep exploring your options and make the most of the resources available to you. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the strategies out there, so use trial and error to find what works best for you.
Finally, be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Turning nervousness into excitement is a challenging process, but with patience and persistence, you’ll reach your goal. Remember: nerves are meant to be conquered, not erased.

#Singapore #Media Training #Interviews #Presentation Training

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *