Most people fear public speaking over death. I believe that the underlying fear is really that of the unknown. When you speak in public it's kind of a crap shoot even for seasoned speakers when it comes to the audience's response, timing, and technology.
I get it. I like to know what to expect as much as the next person. However,sometimes things just don't flow as well as they did in rehearsal. We're all perfectly imperfect - the words get stuck, we forget, and on and on.
As an entrepreneur speaking in public is your bread-and-butter. Every networking event, every video, every phone consultation, every audio, etc. requires you to speak in a way that moves people into action. Each time, that fear of speaking may be hovering in the background.
So, how do you push past the fear and hone your speaking skills?
Well, you could join an organization like Toastmasters (which is a great organization by the way) or you could channel your inner child. Remember, show-and-tell in kindergarten? If you attended grade school in the U.S. then you're familiar with it. At age 5 you spoke in front of a large group with such passion and joy. There wasn't any anxiety. You didn't have to imagine anyone in their underwear. You were fearless. What happened? The same thing that happens to everyone. Over time you learned fear from your family, friends, and experiences at no fault of your own.
Now, it's time to unlearn that fear. You're already a powerhouse speaker and have been since grade school. Think back to when you stood in front of your class and spoke about your favorite toy or book at show-and-tell.
I invite you to apply these skills learned in kindergarten to your next speaking gig:
Speak about something that excites you. Your passion will keep your audience engaged. Your pitch and tone will vary naturally.
Use visual aids. Show them what you're talking about. Use images. Get creative and use a metaphor. For example, at one of my events I held up a match and a matchbook to illustrate how a rough time in my life sparked my passion.
Use a conversational tone. Talk as though you were talking to friends. Your audience is your friend. Talk with them, instead of to them.
Focus on the benefits. Share how your experience, product, service, etc will make another person's life better. It's about delivering high quality value.
Smile! Smiling is contagious. You can't smile and be fearful at the same time.
Release worry. Spend your precious time on something beneficial like having fun. Take each moment as it comes and enjoy yourself.
As with anything, the more you do it the better you'll get. Practice leads to improvement, not perfection. Joining organizations/meetups like Toastmasters, recording yourself, and simply putting yourself out there as a speaker are excellent ways to practice. Comment below and share your personal show-and-tell takeaways. It wasn't that long ago :>)
I get it. I like to know what to expect as much as the next person. However,sometimes things just don't flow as well as they did in rehearsal. We're all perfectly imperfect - the words get stuck, we forget, and on and on.
As an entrepreneur speaking in public is your bread-and-butter. Every networking event, every video, every phone consultation, every audio, etc. requires you to speak in a way that moves people into action. Each time, that fear of speaking may be hovering in the background.
So, how do you push past the fear and hone your speaking skills?
Well, you could join an organization like Toastmasters (which is a great organization by the way) or you could channel your inner child. Remember, show-and-tell in kindergarten? If you attended grade school in the U.S. then you're familiar with it. At age 5 you spoke in front of a large group with such passion and joy. There wasn't any anxiety. You didn't have to imagine anyone in their underwear. You were fearless. What happened? The same thing that happens to everyone. Over time you learned fear from your family, friends, and experiences at no fault of your own.
Now, it's time to unlearn that fear. You're already a powerhouse speaker and have been since grade school. Think back to when you stood in front of your class and spoke about your favorite toy or book at show-and-tell.
I invite you to apply these skills learned in kindergarten to your next speaking gig:
Speak about something that excites you. Your passion will keep your audience engaged. Your pitch and tone will vary naturally.
Use visual aids. Show them what you're talking about. Use images. Get creative and use a metaphor. For example, at one of my events I held up a match and a matchbook to illustrate how a rough time in my life sparked my passion.
Use a conversational tone. Talk as though you were talking to friends. Your audience is your friend. Talk with them, instead of to them.
Focus on the benefits. Share how your experience, product, service, etc will make another person's life better. It's about delivering high quality value.
Smile! Smiling is contagious. You can't smile and be fearful at the same time.
Release worry. Spend your precious time on something beneficial like having fun. Take each moment as it comes and enjoy yourself.
As with anything, the more you do it the better you'll get. Practice leads to improvement, not perfection. Joining organizations/meetups like Toastmasters, recording yourself, and simply putting yourself out there as a speaker are excellent ways to practice. Comment below and share your personal show-and-tell takeaways. It wasn't that long ago :>)
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Sarah Aderson is an international speaker, Leg-a-SHE Strategist, and co-author of the international bestselling book Motherhood Dreams & Success: You Can Have It All! She empowers women entrepreneurs to charge what they're worth so they can leave a legacy not only for their family, but the world. Sarah transforms your business into an empire. Sarah packages your passion into digital and physical products.
Learn more about Sarah's work at www.expandyourheart.org
Pick up your complimentary Work Smarter e-book here.
Sarah Aderson is an international speaker, Leg-a-SHE Strategist, and co-author of the international bestselling book Motherhood Dreams & Success: You Can Have It All! She empowers women entrepreneurs to charge what they're worth so they can leave a legacy not only for their family, but the world. Sarah transforms your business into an empire. Sarah packages your passion into digital and physical products.
Learn more about Sarah's work at www.expandyourheart.org
Pick up your complimentary Work Smarter e-book here.
