Why Not!
Is my usual first response.
Think about it.
Most of our conversations are one-on-one.
- Many are through phones where we don’t see the other person.
- Increasingly, discussions are conducted by text and email where we don’t see or hear the other individual.
It’s easy to understand that standing in front of people and giving a speech takes many out of their comfort zones. That’s why it’s Uncomfortable. Good! Getting out of our comfort zones makes them larger!
There are other reasons we Fear Public Speaking.
- If you don’t know your topic well, really well!
- Don’t “Fake it till you make it.”
- You will make a fool of yourself and will fear speaking for a long, long time.
- Don’t “Fake it till you make it.”
- If you don’t know the structure of a presentation.
- You can learn that structure and it is similar to the recipe for a great cake.
- (Here is a Speaker’s Template – the structure of a presentation!)
- At specific times, specific ingredients are added then specific things are done with them.
- The result is a – Great Presentation!
- At specific times, specific ingredients are added then specific things are done with them.
- If you haven’t practiced.
- Practicing is not optional!
- I coach people for delivering local TED Talks and the rule of thumb for practicing is:
“One hour of preparation for each minute of presentation.”
- I coach people for delivering local TED Talks and the rule of thumb for practicing is:
- Practicing is not optional!
- ‘Head Trash’ such as:
- “I don’t have anything to talk about that would be of interest to anyone.”
- Nonsense!
- You have experiences and knowledge others will love to hear and benefit from.
- When did you face adversity, rejection, or failure and how did you handle it?
- What did you learn from the experience?
- What will you do different next time something similar occurs?
- When did you face adversity, rejection, or failure and how did you handle it?
- You have experiences and knowledge others will love to hear and benefit from.
- The “Imposter Syndrome.”
- “I should not be in this leadership / speaker position.”
- “There are people in the audience with far more knowledge and experience than I have.”
- “Some here have forgotten more than I know.”
- “They will be checking their watches, reading emails, and struggling to not get up and walk out on my talk.”
- “Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities!”
- You are there because you deserve to be in that place at that time.
- You have a great deal to offer.
- “I should not be in this leadership / speaker position.”
Bottom Line:
For most of us it is normal to Fear Public Speaking.
Face the Fear and do it anyway!
Set a goal to conquer that fear and discover how powerful it is to present with – NO SWEAT!
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About the Author
Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books,
“NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and
“NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, and Presentation Skills.
They do this because they know:
Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
They also know:
We perceive really great speakers to be Experts, and we like to work with Experts.
He shows them how to:
Develop, Practice, and Deliver ‘Knock Your Socks Off Presentations!’ with –
NO SWEAT!
Services:
- Keynote Speaker
- Workshop Facilitator
- Breakout Sessions
- Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching
Topics:
- Lessening The Fear of Public Speaking with – NO SWEAT!
- Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!
- Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
- We are All Self-Employed!
2 Comments
Great article, Fred! I’m a speaking coach out here in San Diego and your points resonate with so much of what I tell my clients. There is an unreasonable expectation that we put on each other (and ourselves) that if we know English, we should be able to give a presentation! So much goes into knowing how to organize ourselves, use our voices well, balance stories and data, create interest in what we’re saying, and more…why would anyone think we were born with these learn-able skills? Great job pointing out some of the potential pitfalls and how coaching can make a difference! – Milo Shapiro
Milo,
Thanks for your kind words, confirming my research, and taking time to post your comment.
I know your next presentation will be – NO SWEAT!