Can you relate to this?
You have been asked to present your ideas to the entire staff at your workplace and instead feeling joy at the prospect, you want to run for the hills.
Or, you receive a promotion which now involves running regular staff training but even though you know your stuff, you worry you don’t have the skills to get your message across to your team and you know the buck stops with you if you can’t.
Or maybe you’ve joined the local Chamber of Commerce and the thought of pitching your business to the group leaves feeling cold.
Don’t fear…you are not alone. Even the most confident speakers have many of the same concerns.
In fact…the fear of public speaking is for most people, greater than death.
Before I go on stage, I have a few processes I like to run through to assist me in being calm, collected and in control.
Why not try these next time you are asked to speak in front of a group, run a meeting or train staff.
- Start drinking water 15 minutes before you start talking
- Focus on your breathe when you feel the adrenaline kick in
- Don’t try to contain all your nervous energy – let it out
- Don’t buy into negative self-talk
Public speaking feels uncomfortable for most people but there are ways to overcome by working through these simple processes when you speak.
I work with clients every day who feel the same and want to overcome those feelings of dread to become skilled and confident speakers. Once they master these basic actions, my clients are able to then focus on technique and connecting with their audiences so although they may seem simple and basic…they are vital in overcoming speaking dread.
Remember…
- Your audience wants you to succeed
- It is never as bad as you think it is
- Be OK with the unexpected
Best wishes till next time.
Janeen
P.S. To join other up and coming speakers at a public workshop on Professional Presenting click here
