Overcoming public speaking.

12 Comments

1. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 15,2024 at 11:37PM UTC

   I highly recommend you check out Toastmasters (I am not affiliated with them in any way).

   "Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person."

2. AnonymousMay 16,2024 at 12:14PM UTC

   I'll check out Toastmasters. I have heard of it before but haven't taken the next step of signing up. Maybe this is exactly what I need.

3. Danica A.May 15,2024 at 11:56PM UTC

   When I first started, I was so BAD at public speaking. English is not my first language either so I used to stutter and just shake a lot. Exposure really helped me overcome it. It makes a difference if you come prepared too, for example is preparing data or questions they may ask. And of course, practice as much as you can in front of the mirror. I have no doubt that you'll improve :)

4. AnonymousMay 16,2024 at 12:02AM UTC

   I've heard to focus on one person, not the group.

   Maybe YouTube has some helpful videos?

5. Donna TingleMay 16,2024 at 2:26AM UTC

   Honestly, just being excited about what you have to share and knowing it inside out will make a world of difference. You will find you forget about your worries.

6. AnonymousMay 16,2024 at 2:56AM UTC

   I used to struggle with this too. 2 years ago I was offered a position training groups of people and started to panic. Watching Jack Canfield helped. He does an exercise where he helps you focus on an issue that causes you anxiety. I uncovered that my public speaking block came from an embarrassing event that happened when I was 5 years old. Once I realized it, I was able to work past it and learned to relax. I've been training groups since and I absolutely love it! Mel Robbins is also helpful. Of course you also need to be completed prepared. Learn the material inside & out and it will help a great deal. Good luck

7. AnonymousMay 16,2024 at 12:13PM UTC

   I'll check out both of these people. Thanks for the suggestion

8. AnonymousMay 16,2024 at 12:12PM UTC

   Thanks for this advice.

   I am definitely going to take your idea on feedback on slides before I present.

9. AnonymousMay 16,2024 at 12:30PM UTC

   Maybe seek out a local chapter of Toastmasters (google if you aren't familiar what that is). I've been considering doing so myself. A coworker of mine also went through a Dale Carnegie class that he had great things to say about as it built his confidence in speaking publicly.

10. Eileen MMay 16,2024 at 4:24PM UTC

    One exercise that helped me is preparing myself for how I experience anxiety related to public speaking or racing. I knew from prior experience that right before and at the start of speaking I'd feel butterflies, sweaty palms, dry mouth, and a swirling swoosh in my head. The few days before speaking up until the day of, I would remind myself of all the ways I felt anxiety. That it's normal for me, giving my body clues and permission to experience it vs fight it.

    Also, right before speaking, I found a private place to take my power pose.

    Good luck with your public speaking development -- you've got this! You are worth hearing and seeing.

11. EiriniMay 16,2024 at 4:54PM UTC

    I am sorry you are experiencing this!
    As someone who has struggled with this for a very long time, here's my two cents:
    No one can see it - Being prepared gives you more confidence - Try to get some steam out before presenting (hit the gym, meditate, whatever is your jam) - Make sure you have someone in the audience you connect with, so to focus on (might be a friendly colleague, or an unknown kind face) Good luck! You got this.

12. AnonymousMay 17,2024 at 3:02PM UTC

    Like everyone says keep practicing. Also do you a group of work friends that will be your audience to help you. They can give you some pointers that can help. I overcame my fear by being a reader at church (this helped me a lot). Not sure if you go to a church that you can do this (not meant to offend anyone).