In this previous post I wrote about how I came across a few visualization techniques to manage my own fear. Today I am going to share the next one. I call it The Charlie Chaplin movie.
2 min read
ยท
By Hong Nhung Thi Vo
ยท
December 21, 2020
I am always most nervous in the beginning of a talk. This technique is all about disrupting that pattern and create some new emotions to relate to during the start.
Close your eyes and try this one out.
Notice how the picture of anxiety and the picture of relief now are so close to each other, like two scenes in a movie appearing sequentially.
Experiencing the two opposite feelings side by side felt comforting and in a way safe for me. Two opposite emotions, but somehow also so close. You can feel uncomfortable in one moment, but this can all change in the next one.
The black and white movie with the fast pace and the quirky music really made me smile. Picturing myself in a Charlie Chaplin movie, walking awkwardly up and down numerous times to give a presentation โ how hilarious! This made me not take this all too seriously.
All this helps me disrupt the anxiety I feel in the beginning. I am still nervous, but I also remember that I have seen this movie before, and I know the ending very well. It is a happy one!