Is It Scary To Speak in Public?

Several years ago I thought it would be a good idea to branch out into an area that I had not tried but felt ready for: public speaking. After all, I was an expert in leadership but who was going to know about it unless I put myself out there? I wanted to deliver keynotes. I wanted to be on stage because frankly … it made me feel tall. (Yes, my life is all about getting back at Randy Newman).

So I took some lessons in delivering keynotes from my colleague Matt Rix. Matt used to do some stand-up comedy and I knew I had a bit of a clever sense of humor, so I figured he would be a good match. He had a complete course that addressed preparing, designing, and delivering keynote speeches. It was eye-opening!  Boy – how much there is to know that you didn’t know. It is called unconscious incompetency – not knowing what you don’t know – something I will get more into in another blog installment.

The personal growth since then has been amazing. Sure, painful at times, but pain leads to growth, right?

So here’s where I urge you to go forward and throw yourself in. Being a persuasive public speaker is one of the best ways to build your credibility with others. Agree to speak anywhere just to get used to it –  whether a women’s networking meeting (ABWA, NAWBO, Junior League, etc.), a lunch & learn at work, or a more formal event like a conference. It does NOT have to be a big formal event.

Throw yourself in? YES! You know how when you want to get in the pool to swim, but you fear that first step … the submerging in cold water? Consider what you tell yourself to get started. “Just jump in. Don’t think about it.”

Yes, it is like jumping into an icy lake because as soon as you agree, you are committed! The fear of public speaking is unnecessary with just a bit of preparation. And as soon as you are committed, the process begins and the tension of knowing you will be talking to a group soon becomes a journey of discovery and growth.

Believe me …. because you know people are going to be grouped in front of you with a gazing and expectant stare, your preparation abilities kick into full swing. You start thinking through how to articulate something that you want to share. You formulate philosophies and conclusions about your topic that you are surprised you knew!

It’s one of the critical tips that I share in the book Skirt Strategies because it is an exercise in self-management and clear communication, all rolled into one.

Carol and I recently interviewed a colleague, Meggin McIntosh of Emphasis on Excellence, about the value of being a speaker and I would like to share that discussion in an online podcast we have recorded.

In 20 minutes, we address several things to consider like how to prepare, tricks in presenting, using stories, managing your breath, and determining your topic.

Please enjoy this PODCAST

http://tele-seminars.s3.amazonaws.com/WithMegginBeingASpeaker.mp3

Now get in the pool!