Excited When You’re Talking? How To Get Your Words Out

Ever felt like your mouth can’t keep up with your brain when you’re speaking? That surge of excitement that trips up your words can happen to any of us. In this episode, I explore the funny but frustrating rush that makes us mince sentences and how I’ve learned to navigate it.

We dive into understanding the rush itself, why our passion can cause speech to tumble, and ways to slow down without losing our spark. If you’ve ever been mid-sentence and suddenly thought, “What on earth am I trying to say?” then you’ll want to know these strategies and tips.

Why the Adrenaline Rush Happens

We care about what we’re saying, and that caring can turn into an adrenaline spike. When your mind races ahead of your vocal cords, the words can get jumbled. It’s common for creative thinkers and those with dyslexia or ADHD to run faster than even Usain Bolt when they’re excited.

We get stuck on a word or phrase, try to backtrack, or forget what we wanted to say. Sometimes that adrenaline even makes us sweat a bit. It’s a mental marathon, but it can feel like a sprint. The good news is that you’re not doomed. Recognising the physical cues of excitement can help you slow down.

Embracing the Art of the Pause

A simple pause can calm the mind. It’s something I learned the hard way, especially when I used to talk at a hundred miles per hour. We often forget that a second or two of silence won’t hurt.

Try these simple steps:

• Notice the surge building in your belly or chest.
• Stop, breathe in, and breathe out slowly.
• Resume speaking with calm intention.

This can feel awkward at first. Silence isn’t always comfortable. Once you try it, you’ll notice that your words and ideas come across clearer and more confidently.

Dealing with Mistakes in the Moment

When you realise you’ve stumbled, do you apologise? Or do you barrel on and lose track? There’s no one correct method, but my suggestion is to laugh it off. Making it part of your flow can lighten the mood for you and your listeners.

“I used to freeze when I tripped over my words. Now, I just say, ‘Oops, that got jumbled—let’s try that again!’ and keep going.”

The key is not to shame yourself. We’re human. We get excited. Your message doesn’t vanish because of a small stumble.

Rehearsing Before High-Stakes Situations

Preparation can reduce your nerves. Spending a few minutes saying your thoughts out loud, even to yourself, helps you recognise where you might slip. If it’s an important conversation, try making brief notes that keep you focused. I sometimes doodle a little mind map to stay on track.

Here’s a quick approach:

1. Jot down the key idea you want to share.
2. Write one sentence that sums it up.
3. Practice saying it out loud until it feels natural.

You don’t want to memorise a script. It’s about mapping out your main points. This keeps you relaxed, yet ready.

Making Peace with the Rush

When you make peace with the adrenaline, you’ll find it’s actually helpful. That energy is a sign that you care. It’s what makes you an interesting speaker. Lean into it, but learn to guide it so it doesn’t derail the message.

Some people thrive on that extra spark, and that’s fine. With acceptance, your stumbling moments become smaller. Most of us worry about mistakes more than anyone else. Listeners often don’t even notice if you mix up a word or two. And if they do, they’re usually too busy enjoying the realness of what you’re sharing to judge or criticise.

Below are a few key takeaways:

• Slow down and pause. Silence is an underrated tool.
• Make mistakes part of the conversation—laugh them off.
• Prepare in advance, but don’t over-practise.
• Embrace your excitement. It’s a signal that you’re passionate.

I hope these tips help you handle that adrenaline rush. If you want more insights on this topic, check out the full podcast episode. The player is at the top of this page, so give it a listen and let me know what you think.