How to Get Rid of Nerves

“How do I get rid of nerves?”

This is the most common question we get from clients at District Media Group. If there were a magic pill that instantly removed the dreaded fear of the stage or the camera, we’d probably be on the Forbes list.

Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix—you can’t drink your nerves away or pop a pill to make them disappear. But we’ve seen many clients work through their nerves and come out the other side more confident and successful.

Here are some of the best ways to do it:

#1 — Have the Right Mindset
People’s greatest fears about public speaking or media interviews aren’t likely to come true. In reality, there are very few instances where what you say—or how you look or sound while saying it—is career-ending or life-changing.

That internal monologue right before you take the stage or go live on air is critical. Remind yourself that if you’re speaking honestly and from the heart, it’s unlikely you’ll make a fool of yourself. Sometimes you simply have to fake it until you feel it.

#2 — Don’t Let the Perfect Be the Enemy of Good
No one knows exactly what you planned to say. While preparation matters, don’t let the pursuit of perfection get in your way.

If something doesn’t come out as smoothly as you hoped—or you forget to include a point you planned to make—don’t dwell on it. Keep moving forward.

#3 — It’s Never as Bad as It Feels
One of the most common responses we hear at DMG after playing back a clip is: “Oh, that wasn’t that bad!”

Our internal monologue can play tricks on us. We think a pause lasted forever, or that a small stumble was a major mistake. In reality, the audience isn’t analyzing you nearly as closely as you’re analyzing yourself. People expect the occasional filler word or stumble when someone is speaking off the cuff.

Yes, preparation is important—but small imperfections are part of someone’s natural speech pattern.

If you focus on having the right mindset, allow yourself the freedom to not say everything perfectly, and let small stumbles roll off your back, you’ll not only improve your technique—you’ll build real confidence, and get rid of the nerves in the process.