How come I get so nervous?

[billyjfootball]

Currently I'm the Senior Master of Ceremonies at my lodge. Things are going great. They want me to qualify so that I can be JW next year. Sounds like an honor and feel I'm not worthy of such a position. Anyway, I've memorized the charges and I give them. Problem is that I get soooo nervous. My throat closes up and my voice gets very weak. It's irritating me and very embarrassing. Due to this, I'm having serious doubts about elected office. I mean, my memory work is off the chain good. Physical stuff is good too. Just my voice.

Here's the crazy thing: There's only about 12 guys who show up for the rituals on a consistent basis. I know them all very well because we're the same core group of fellows who show up for our fellowship & education on Wednesdays. I don't feel nervous at all during the rituals. It's just when it's time to speak, I freak out. I'm a teacher, so I'm used to being in front of people all day every day.

I'm thinking about seeing a therapist or something to help me out. I am rather new; I was raised in November. Maybe it's just about doing it a bunch more times.

Thanks!


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[goomba]

I think this is part of the problem when we stress "word perfect". We set our brothers up for failure with so much pressure.

 

[Bloke]

Currently I'm the Senior Master of Ceremonies at my lodge. Things are going great. They want me to qualify so that I can be JW next year. Sounds like an honor and feel I'm not worthy of such a position. Anyway, I've memorized the charges and I give them. Problem is that I get soooo nervous. My throat closes up and my voice gets very weak. It's irritating me and very embarrassing. Due to this, I'm having serious doubts about elected office. I mean, my memory work is off the chain good. Physical stuff is good too. Just my voice.

Here's the crazy thing: There's only about 12 guys who show up for the rituals on a consistent basis. I know them all very well because we're the same core group of fellows who show up for our fellowship & education on Wednesdays. I don't feel nervous at all during the rituals. It's just when it's time to speak, I freak out. I'm a teacher, so I'm used to being in front of people all day every day.

I'm thinking about seeing a therapist or something to help me out. I am rather new; I was raised in November. Maybe it's just about doing it a bunch more times.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using My Freemasonry

Raised in November ? Getting nervous ? That's easy. Regardless of how accomplished you are in your private and professional life or your age or other experience, unless your an experienced actor or deliverer of speeches learned by rote, it's simple and remember this; you're a beginner.

Its only natural that as this is new to you, it will take a while to get comfortable presenting charges in lodges. If your memory work is good, you have already conquered one of the challenges. Ironically, even very experienced public speakers often struggle at lodge, because again, they are a beginner. Many experienced public speakers simply improvise their speech whereas Freemasonry is quite different, it calls on you to deliver a script (hopefully) word perfect or as close to as you can. Like playing an instrument, with experience, when you play a wrong note, you get good at glossing over it and to just keep playing. Like ritual and overcoming mistakes and nervousness, that's a skill which comes with experience.

I remind you, you're in the company of brother who all (should) want you to success.

Remember, you are among forgiving friends who want to see you grow in experience and skill in your ritual.... the only way many of us actually get that is by putting ourselves out there and giving it a go. Over time, you are bound to get better and in getting better get a lot more relaxed (then you face the new challenge of getting complacent).

Sounds like you are on the right path and don't focus on the nerves, that will only amplify on them, focus on the fact you are part of a tradition of over three centuries where millions of men have faced the same problem you currently are and overcome it; again with practice and experience.

Here in Victoria, the brother who runs the rehearsals and ceremonies, trains officers, leading conductors on the floor (here deacons) and promoting those delivering ritual, is called the Director of Ceremonies. That's me. For new officers training, I always have them deliver charges at rehearsal to build confidence and experience. I strongly suggest you ask to deliver your words at rehearsal to build your confidence.

You will get there brother, have some faith in the GAOTU, yourself and your ability to move beyond the beginner stage

Congratulations and well done on taking your office !

 

[Warrior1256]

Raised in November ? Getting nervous ? That's easy. Regardless of how accomplished you are in your private and professional life or your age or other experience, unless your an experienced actor or deliverer of speeches learned by rote, it's simple and remember this; you're a beginner.

Ditto, just give it some time.

 

[The Traveler]

I think that time will ease things. I went through that during my proving proficiency. Mouth was so dry that I couldn't even swallow. Now that I'm helping others with their studies and delivering the charges, it's become easier for sure.

Hang in there!

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