Gonna be on T.V, Nervous reck, any tips?

Question

I am 17 years old, male, and in the Army Reserves. When i graduate high school, my M.O.S will be Infantrymen (11-B), but for now, I am a Chemical specialtist (74-D), this is just for the time being. Anyway, at the recruiting center i attend my Future Soldier Program, 5 of us were selected to go to QWEST field in Seattle, before the SeaHawks game, and march out onto the field to give my oath (again). The stadium is going to be filled with THOUSANDS of people, and be broadcasted LIVE on Television. WOW!!! What the hell, i meen, damn!!!

There is going to be 50-60 kids total on the field, so its not THAT BAD, if it was just 5-6 of us, SCREW THAT NO WAY. Hopefully, HOPEFULLY, I am in the middle of the croud so people wont notice so much if i screw up. Any tips/pointers, not on the march, but on not bein so DAM nervous???

I am new to the marching stuff, so i guess im gonna have to learn it and learn it GOOD within the next 3 weeks... I have only attended two Future Soldier Programs so far, and my next one is Tomorrow, there they teach us the march but really we dont have that long maybe 15-30 minutes of it, then we do a little bit of Physical Training, so im a newbie at the march and stance and all that good stuff. Well im nervous as hell, i use to play little league football, but as part of the team, and NEVER in front of thousands of people OR on TELEVISION, LIVE!!! What do i make of this, holy crap, i can't back down, what the HECK !!!!!

BTW, Its the MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL GAME, so you KNOW that LOTS of people are going to be watching it.

Answer 1

Okay, I got an idea, why don't you just "**** OFF LOSER". I'm going to use this photo no matter how long I want to okay! It's not your **** so why don't you just go **** yourself!

Answer 2

I was a tech instructor for 12 years. I still remember my 1st class in 1985, was scared to death. My problem was course content. A guy that had lot's of experience told me, much later, to look em in the eye, show no fear and know what you are going to do before you show up.

That said get some Old Crusty Sargeant to help ALL of you rehearse or just do what I found to help me. Get in a room and rehearse. In your case, in Class A, out loud, at attention in front of a mirror. Looks crazy but it works. You will know the Oath inside out and doing it will help you get over the "shell shock". Besides the actual event is not the problem, you are just being your own worst enemy by being worried.

SSG US Army 73-82

I type to slow. Same same for the marching. Full Metal Jacket, The Boy's in Company C both have enough scenes with marching. That will show you the tempo. In Basic we were marching pretty good within a week. And I can tell you we were a collection worthy of getting screamed at by R Lee at first. Practicing right and left face is easy, so is marching. You will be fine!!

Answer 3

I have been on Oprah twice as a guest and over the years have made numerous presentations to the media, politicians, and celebrities. Going in front of a crowd and even speaking to them really is no big deal. It is natural before the event to feel anxious, nervous, and to imagine the worst. Guess what? it does not happen. You should feel proud and honored to be selected for this event. Remember to breathe deep & slow. Relax, and what I do is focus on one object or person and stay focused on that. Really you can not tell when in front of a crowd how large it is or if anyone is "staring" at you. Remember too, you are in the presence of people who support you. Trust me, you will do fine. Have fun!!!!

Answer 4

Wayne is correct. I will just add one thing that they tell actors for their first time in front of a live audience. Imagine the audience is in their underwear. It will keep your attention focused on things other then your nervousness.

Answer 5

Be cool! Maybe just focus on someone close to you.

Answer 6

Don't be a b*tch. Just do it dont think about it. SEMPER FI!!! Maybe try the MARINE CORPS next time.. ooohh raahh