Getting Over Testing Nerves?

[Julie Guvernator]

Hi All,

Anybody successful at getting past testing nerves? I'm in my 100s. At home, when I practice at a 120 or 140 speed, I may not get all the words, but what I get is with fluid strokes and a high degree of accuracy. I am amazed at how accurate I am even when I just let my fingers fly. I come to class feeling confident about bagging a 100 (or two), and then I freeze up as I'm being chased by a mountain lion. (Fight or flight mode I think they call it.) I do deep breathiing, prayer, more breathing, I talk to myself, etc., but nothing is working. I can barely write at 80 in class, and even that is stilted, bunched up, and full of mis-strokes. I don't know how to recreate that feeling of relaxing and letting my fingers go like I do when I practice.

This does not bode well for progressing, let alone someday passing the TX RPR exam. I'd really appreciate any advice anyone has.

Julie

[Sarah Toles]

I'm the same way. Whenever I hear the word test I tense up and I start sweating and worrying. My teacher has always said you have to stop thinking of them as tests. The pressure is all in your mind and as soon as you can start thinking of them as opportunities to see how you are progressing instead of tests it will become less stressful.

[Julie Guvernator]

Thanks, Sarah. I was pretty sure I wasn't the only one. I'm going to have to have a heart-to-heart with my brain. I am progressing though, so that's something to be encouraged about. I got a little closer to getting a 100 Lit today. (JCs tomorrow. Based upon the evidence, I've got to go work on those briefs, beyond a reasonable doubt.)

[Elizabeth Kavelman]

I just read your comments. Ditto in Illinois! I freeze as well and I know I can do it...because I do it at home! Any tips anyone out there? Thanks!

Beth

[Julie Guvernator]

Hi Elizabeth,

I bet the only reason you "freeze" is because you're in Illinois in December. ;-P I'm very, very gradually losing my nervousness, getting closer to my first 100 wpm. I've been practicing my fingers off, so perhaps it's just the confidence that comes with the practice that's helping. It really is frustrating though when my notes at home look so good and then I feel like a klutz in class! I'll let you know if I have any epiphanies if you promise to do the same. Good luck!

Julie

[Julie Guvernator]

Thank you, Angela, for the good, practical advice. I'm working on fooling myself into believing that I've already passed my 100s. My instructor is trying to help too, referring to "tests" as "five-minute warm-ups," with a wink. Between all the work I've put in, and some mental gymnastics, I was able to calm down enough to grab a Q&A and a Lit this week. That should help a little too, huh?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Julie

[Clare Shine]

Angela,
I wanted to say thanks for your words of wisdom. I've been trying for my 110 Lit for the past 2 months. I will try your way and see what happens.
Clare

[Cale McCabe]

Julie:

Hey there. I'm Cale.

I see that you wrote this post about four years ago. Is this still an issue with you? You could be certified by now, for all I know.

I have an eBook coming out that specifically deals with this problem, if you're interested. Please feel free to contact me anytime at [e-mail]

Thanks!

-Cale

www.passthecourtreportingexam.com