If you’re scared of heights, would you rush to the top of a ladder? An experienced construction worker or someone who cleans the windows of skyscrapers for a living would be happy to just hop on the ladder and zoom their way up to the top. They’re used to it. Climbing up to a lofty height is something they’ve done many times before. We can use this as a comparison to public speaking.
Lots of people have anxiety around the idea of public speaking. Standing in front of a big group of people, all eyes on you, waiting to hear the words that come out of your mouth…it’s understandable if that makes you nervous! I teach public speaking, but I’ve had to overcome these nerves myself. In fact, that’s one of the reasons I love to teach this topic. I know what it’s like to be in your shoes. I understand how to help you rise to where you want to be.
Public speaking is a skill that we use every day in conversations at work, at home, with our families—and yes, sometimes on stages too. On a day-to-day basis, we’re always sharing our vision with like-minded people.
Many think of public speaking as an event, one where you’re standing alone on a stage in front of hundreds of people. That kind of event is one example of public speaking, but if you’re nervous about that kind of speaking platform, remember that low-pressure public speaking opportunities are all around you. Oftentimes, more introverted leaders can think that the gap between where they are and where they want to go is too large. They’re immediately thinking about the top of the ladder and forgetting about all the easier-to-take steps in between.
In the way that I teach public speaking, I give learners opportunities to recognise their own unique strengths that they already possess. I give them tips and techniques to be successful and confident in clearly communicating their vision.
A Public Speaking Learning Exercise
When you know at least one thing about yourself or a project you’re working on, consider how you can bring it up in your next conversation. Now I’m not talking about fitting it in where it doesn’t belong, but you would be surprised how warmly you’ll be received when you follow these simple guidelines. Practice active listening at your next networking event. Eventually, the conversation will turn to what it is that you are focused on, what you’re passionate about or what you’re working on currently. There’s your chance to share your vision or your idea.
If speaking about your idea with someone you don’t know yet makes you feel uncomfortable, then practice the step before this one. You might find yourself in an elevator with a colleague, or in a classroom with fellow learners, or just walking down a hallway alongside a friend. Practicing talking about the projects or ideas you’re passionate about when you’re in low-stakes situations. This practice will help you work up to the big moment when you have to share your vision with someone you’ve never met before.
The situation with a new person will be a little bit different, but you’ll be doing something you’ve already done before. You’ll be able to smile and approach the situation with more confidence. You’re doing things one step at a time.
The Steps to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills
Start off in a safe space with your learning. When approaching a ladder, the first step or two aren’t bad at all, are they? Once you’re on the second step, reaching the third really isn’t too difficult. Allow yourself to grow at your own pace. Find ways to discover the tools to do so—whether it’s a Public Speaking course or Presentation Skills course like the ones we teach at AIHM—or techniques you find elsewhere. You’ve already got the ability within you to shine at public speaking events. Discover it, practice it in the ways that work for you, and then find new happiness in your achievements as you experience the confidence that comes with your developing skills.
Do You Want to Be a More Confident Public Speaker?
Finding the confidence to express yourself opens up a world of new possibilities. Expand what’s possible for yourself. Find out more about AIHM’s weekend workshops in Public Speaking and Presentation Skills.
Samantha Lauver-Marion teaches the next session of the Public Speaking course on 31 August – 1 September, 2004. Apply now.