I am sometimes asked why I don’t get nervous speaking to groups, or even to strangers. When I first began in public speaking, and practicing law, I was told things like: “Imagine the audience is naked, etc.” Obviously, realizing that the audience is made up of people just like you helps build confidence. It helps deal with the imposter syndrome, and anxiety about our own abilities. But, this piece of advice from Ricky Gervais is the best. Because, it is true. We are all imposters. Nobody really knows what we are doing. Nobody really knows whether there is an all knowing God who loves us, and who waits for us after death. This is one of the recurring themes of my poetry and philosophy. Why should I be worried about the reaction of an audience (whether Judge or jury or other group), all of whom are in the same boat as I am? None of us is sure of anything. So, relax and just be yourself. And, the older you get, the fewer consequences there are to doing it. Have a fun day.
