What I Would Do to Stop the Nerves After Participating in My First Artist Panel Discussion

I am by no means an avid public speaker. In fact, I wouldn’t even say I’m particularly good at it. I clam up. I zone out. My nerves rise quickly, and a fight-or-flight response takes over, where I often freeze on the spot.

Sitting in front of a group of people and speaking about your work can feel incredibly vulnerable. In many ways, I relate it to sharing my photography. When I share a photograph into the world, I am sharing what I believe made for a good composition or to simply offer something I believe might brighten a person’s mood.

After participating in my first artist panel discussion, here’s what I would do to help calm the nerves for next time.

Ask the Moderator for Questions Ahead of Time

Preparation is key.  If possible, ask the panel leader or moderator what types of questions will be asked.  If they know the exact questions, even better.  This will give you a sense of how to respond during the live panel discussion.  I recommend not scripting word-for-word responses. But having an idea of the themes allows you to mentally organize your thoughts.

Keep your answers light and conversational. Rehearse your responses from experience and try not memorize.  You can speak to what you know and once you start speaking, you might find you have a bit to say.

When I spoke about my artist residency, it was easier because I was speaking about something I had experienced. I could talk about why I photographed certain subjects, what drew me to specific compositions, and what I was exploring creatively.

Rehearse Out Loud (Not Just in Your Head)

One thing I realized afterward is that thinking about what you’ll say is very different from saying it out loud. Practice speaking your answers in a normal tone of voice. Notice where you rush. Notice where you run out of breath. Notice where you feel confident.

Public speaking is physical, from your breath to your posture, to your pacing.  It’s a strange concept, but the more familiar you are with hearing your own voice out loud, the less awkward it will feel on stage.

Decide Intentionally Whether to Invite Friends or Family

Sometimes knowing someone in the audience can be calming. Seeing a familiar face can feel grounding and reassuring.  This can also backfire.  If you’re someone who feels additional pressure when people close to you are watching, it’s okay not to invite them.

There is no right way to build support in a room. The key is knowing what actually helps you feel steady.

Accept That Nerves Mean You Care

The goal is not to eliminate nerves.  Nerves are a sign that you care. They show that the work matters to you, and so do your responses.   Take a slow breath and pause before answering each question. It’s okay to gather your thoughts before responding.

Try to relax and enjoy your moment! The moderator will control the ebb and flow of time.  It’s their job to manage the time, their questions, and potential questions from the audience. 

You’ve totally got this.