We’re loving this playlist that TED put together of different talks on public speaking as a way to help others prep for a big event. After all, speaking in public is no easy feat (trust us, we know) – and the more tips out there to help people be brave and step onto that stage, the better. (Which is partly why we also provide coaching to our speakers, in addition to representation.)

One of our faves of these talks is Joe Kowan’s TED Talk on how he beat stage fright as a performer. How awesome is it (and how meta!) to talk about stage fright on a stage! And his tactic? He addressed his fear head on by writing a song about it, and performed it at open mic night, every week, until the fear dissipated. He says:

By thinking about my audience, by embracing and exploiting my problem, I was able to take something that was blocking my progress, and turn it into something that was essential for my success. And having the stage fright song let me get past that biggest issue right in the beginning of a performance. And then I could move on, and play the rest of my songs with just a little bit more ease. And eventually, over time, I didn’t have to play the stage fright song at all. Except for when I was really nervous, like now.

Kudos to him, and every public speaker and performer out there, for the courage it takes for that kind of vulnerability – whether it be on the big stage, or at a local open mic night.