It was almost an out of body experience….
Ok, maybe not quite but felt pretty close! I was so nervous lol… Getting ready to speak to over 10k people is something I don’t do on a day-to-day bases. The crowd was loud and interactive, full of energy and eager to listen. So I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game.
The WeDay events are always so entertaining and up lifting so I knew I had to bring a lot of energy with my speech. The few moments before in the makeup room was solely focused on getting my breathing right.
If I lose control of my breathing before I go out there than my mind takes over and panics. That would end up being very bad. When that happens my heart starts pounding, my voice sounds like it’s stuck in my throat and it reads on my face like the worst poker face.
Good thing I’ve had a lot of practise with calming my nerves. Auditioning hundreds of times in front of different film directors who could cast you in their film has helped a lot for this.
It’s all about focusing on the breath coming in and out and following it all the way down into your stomach. When it’s comfortably settling in the stomach and not shooting back up to your throat you’re at a good spot. Now it’s about keeping the breath down there.
For me that means shorter breaths pushing the stomach out so I look half pregnant. Good thing is I can get away with this underneath a suit without looking weird lol. Now all that’s left is shutting the mind off by telling myself you’ve done all you can. You’ve prepared all you could and there is no more time that you can devote thinking about it. All that’s left is enjoying the moment and being present because if I enjoy the moment it’ll come across that way during my speaking. Everyone wins.
Felt like within a blink it was over. What a rush that was. I remember during my speech I shared some truth about my healing journey and over coming addictions and the audience let out a shocking gasp. Hearing over 10k people let out the same sound effect was echoing and beyond gratifying.
It gave me reassurance that they were engaged with what I was saying and it felt great. I’m so glad I was able to be calm through it and enjoy the view from the main stage. As much as I loved the adrenaline rush of speaking to a crowd that large I have to say the best part was them announcing me to the stage “now put your hands together for Winnipeg’s Own, Kyle Nobess.”
Hearing that line “Winnipeg’s own” was a proud moment for me and it set the tone for my excitement which I poured into my speech. Thank you WeDay for inspiring so many and giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Enjoying the WeDay Box post speech. Time to relax and enjoy the rest of the show!