What are some techniques for calming your nerves during board proceedings?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 15:55:06 -0500

I am going to the promotion board for SSG for the third time. Knowledge base is not my issue, briefing my biography is not the issue, and interacting with higher ranking individuals doesn't bother me. However, when I enter the board environment my nerves tend to get the best of me. Can anyone share what has helped them calm their nerves during their Board experiences? Thank you for your time.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 21 at 2014 3:59 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 15:59:33 -0500

BREATH CONTROL. Take a moment to focus on your hands....Relax them. When you relax the hands, you will relax some. Always remember, think fast, talk slow.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2014 4:16 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 16:16:23 -0500

While I have not been through an Army board, I have been through enough similar stressful experiences to know what works best for me.

PREPARATION!

Whether it's a test, a mission, a public speaking engagement, or a board the best way to calm your nerves is to be prepared. The more prepared you are, the easier it is to tell yourself you've got it under control and believe it.

So hit the books and smash that board SGT. Good luck.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Feb 21 at 2014 4:29 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 16:29:45 -0500

What you're talking about here is essentially the same thing as stage fright. The best way to overcome that is through practice. For me, weekly open mic night was the cure.<br><br>Alternatively, since this is short notice, keep a knife in your pocket and remember that the board members are old
and broken. In the worst case scenario, you could probably take out 2 or
3 of them. That should give you at least some comfort.<br>

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2014 5:28 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 05:28:28 -0500

First of all, let me wish you good luck. Go in with your head up, be confident and sound off. I too, went in multiple times. What helped me was to be loud and confident. Continue studying daily with your Leader and take breaks when needed.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 6:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 18:32:49 -0500

I would like to thank you all for your time and your responses. I used a slight variation of all of your insights to receive my recommendation for promotion. Thank you all again,
SGT(P) Burnham

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 6:41 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 18:41:15 -0500

Before I started going to boards, I would be very nervous. Once I realized that they cannot kill you, beat you, or otherwise harm you, and the worst they can do is kick you out, I was fine. I got to the point where the board members realized how calm I was and told me that I was "too comfortable" at the board.

Knowledge is power, and power is confidence-- at least for me.

Best of luck!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 6:50 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 18:50:39 -0500

SGT Burnham, I have been to so many boards that I have lost count and I experienced what you are talking about every single time. I have heard about breath control and I have heard about looking at the board member's foreheads and I have heard about intentionally slowing down your thinking process.

All of these work when they are combined. My last board was my final board for selection into Audie Murphy. We had five different stations and were required to sit one on one with a different CSM at every location with each station being a different set of subjects. I found that when I did not look the CSM in the eye and intentionally made myself breath and slow my thinking process I was able to formulate correct answers and not present myself as a blundering idiot (that being how I describe what I sound like when I don't do those things). I did almost fail my last station with the Corps CSM. I attempted all of those items but for some reason when asked to recite the NCO Creed I simply could not. Thankfully he was patient and gave me some time to gather myself and I was able to recite the creed on my second try.

Just be patient with yourself. You are going to be nervous, accept it. Take some or all of the hints given to you in this forum and use what works for you. Don't fear the board but respect what it does to you and you will do as well as you are able too. Work hard, study hard and don't ever give up and eventually, through trial and error, you will find what works for you.

I hope this helps and Good Luck!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 1 at 2014 10:38 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 22:38:14 -0500

See if you can spend some time in that room. Getting use to that board room might help. Good luck.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Mar 2 at 2014 8:41 AM

CSM Michael Poll — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 08:41:10 -0500

THe easiest way and something I used to do from Squad Leader up to now. Anyone I knew going to a board, I would hold a Moc board at least 3 times a wek before the actual board. Nothing will prepare you more than actual practice. Just like we say "Train as you fight" same goes for anything you do. Practice practice practice. The more you stand infrom of a group that will be serious and emulate an actual board, the easier it will be to stand in front of your crusty CSM!

Response by PO2 Stephen Brownell made Oct 20 at 2023 4:12 PM

PO2 Stephen Brownell — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 16:12:41 -0400

Use a thumb tact in your shoe when you get nervous press on it with your big toe

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 20 at 2023 7:12 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:12:07 -0400

REVIEW IN FRONT OF A MIRROR WHILE SITTING DOWN, OR SOAK IN THE TUB AFTER RECORDING SOMME THE QUESTIONS YOU THINK THEY ARE GOING TO ASK AFTER RECORDING YOURSELF AND PLAYING IT OVER AND OVER.
TO THIS DAY THINGS FROM E6/SSG BOARD ARE STILL SET IN STONE AS WELL AS MY HARDEST BOARD THE SAMC SELECTION BOARDS.

LASTLY YOU SHOULD HAVE AREAS THAT EACH MEMEBER OFF THE BOARD IS GOING TO COVER.

GOOD LUCK