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I was given the opportunity to speak at a conference, but I am struggling with impostor syndrome.

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Anonymous

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I was given the opportunity to speak at a conference, but I am struggling with impostor syndrome. Does anyone have any suggestions, I want to be prepared and do my best!

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  1. Anonymous

    Hi there! This article posted by FGB may help! https://fairygodboss.com/articles/move-the-dial-stories-how-to-overcome-imposter-syndrome

  2. Anonymous

    And good luck at the conference!

  3. Gaby Cadena

    Thank you!!

  4. Gaby Cadena

    Thank you I will check it out tonight!

  5. Jana Grazer

    From someone who used to be an actress (tape yourself with your phone camera and play it back and watch it) then you will see the whole reality

  6. Gaby Cadena

    This is good advice, thank you. I have a feeling is going to be an adventure!

  7. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career Coach

    Yes! Prepare, prepare, prepare. Being over prepared can help calm your anxious nerves and any thoughts/feelings like you aren't credible or ready to speak. Knowing you have your outline and thoughts well put together can help you overcome your imposter syndrome feelings. Also - think through how you want it to go. Like...okay, when I get on stage I might feel a little nervous but that will fade because I know what Im talking about, Im prepared, and these people WANT to hear from me.

  8. Gaby Cadena

    A part of me sometimes doesn't want to prepare because I listen to that little hateful voice in my head, but once I get to it- I'm so grateful I did. Thank you for the support, I will continue pushing myself out of my comfort zone and into the growth zone.

  9. Anonymous

    They asked you to speak for a reason! As others have said preparation helps, but I also like to remind myself some of my key accomplishments to quiet that imposter voice and helps reassure myself that I got this.

    Because you got this! Good luck!

  10. Gaby Cadena

    I have to constantly remind myself of this. I am grateful for the reminder here because it is true. We are all called to do what we are prepared to do and must deliver with enthusiasm and gratefulness.

  11. Barb Hansen

    Trust in the fact that people who manage the conference choose you to speak (or your company choose you to speak on their behalf).

    When that voice inside says "you're not worthy", tell that voice to shuffle off down the road or you could use a spicy phrase :)

  12. Gaby Cadena

    Oohh, I love the spicy phrase part! I have no problem with that one! Thank you everyone's responses have helped ground me and realize my potential.

  13. Alexis Gladstone

    I speak quite a bit and many times feel this way. Here are a few things I do, many already shared by others:

    Remember they invited you so the feel you have something valuable to share. Keep that in mind...always.

    Prepare. There are many styles of speaking, choose one that you are most comfortable with. This includes the types of slides you create (if you do) that will help you feel comfortable on stage.

    Practice, practice, practice. I practice several times a day leading up to the event. I practice sitting, standing, and in the mirror. Sometimes I even record myself doing the presentation so I can listen to it in the car or on walks.

    Remember that whatever you present will be amazing. If it doesn't go quite as you practice it, no one will know but you!

    You will be great!

  14. Gaby Cadena

    This is a really good point! I will be the only one that will know if something goes wrong. Thank you I will practice recording myself and listening to find areas that may need some improvement. I appreciate your support and advice.

  15. Alexis Gladstone

    You're going to be great Gaby! Let us know how it goes.

  16. Anonymous

    Ok this may sound a bit strange but I list the top 5 people in my industry and I begin to draw parallels with their journey and my own. Achievements, Awards, job titles and general great press items. As I begin to find similar achievements my imposter syndrome fades because I have evidence of my similar achievements. It helps anchor my confidence.

  17. Gaby Cadena

    OMG! I have done this too! I find it helpful to know that the people I follow or admire also started like me. Often times lost, not knowing, nervous, and scared. Thank you for the reminder.

  18. Sabrina Cortes

    I have never spoken at a conference so I don't have any suggestions - but I wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!! and let you know I'm sending you positive vibes.

    I know I just said I don't have a suggestion, but then I was picturing myself in your shoes and I'd be going through similar feelings. Some of the things I'd do are:

    ~~ What about writing down the top 5-10 things you're most comfortable talking about for the topic?

    ~~ What are things you know inside and out? (Makes notes on them, then expand your talk from there).

    ~~ Look up other speakers that you want to emulate during your talk. What strategies do they use to shake imposter syndrome? How do they convey their message?

    I'm not sure what else, but I hope this helps. Good Luck!

  19. Gaby Cadena

    I have noticed that people I admire often use storytelling and pictures to communicate their messages. I really enjoy this, so I will be working on delivering a good presentation using these tools. Thank you, your post really helped!

  20. Sabrina Cortes

    You're welcome!

  21. Robin Sherk

    I was terrified the first few conferences I spoke at, but it’s a great skill.
    And it’s not that hard once you do it.

    I agree with what others said: Practice, practice and practice- say it out loud as if you’re presenting on stage. Do NOT rehearse in your head, as you wouldn’t catch your tripping spots to be able to fix them. I used to practice alone in front of a mirror, or to anyone who would listen. And I’d focusing on knowing your key points by slide vs trying to make a script… this makes it easier to sound natural and way easier to recover if you forget a detail. Good luck!

  22. Gaby Cadena

    I have done this, so I will begin practicing out loud. I will practice in the mirror and work on my rate of speech. I tend to speak faster when I'm nervous or excited about something. Thank you for the help!

  23. Anonymous

    Congratulations on getting this opportunity to present. It sounds as if someone has great confidence in you! I understand your comment about imposter syndrome. I have to present to large groups fairly often. I've been told that as a presenter I know much more than the audience, and that I am very hard on myself. It helps to practice in front of a mirror, keep notes or develop some mnemonic devices if you need to remember facts or numbers. Prepare well, anticipate possible questions, use positive self-affirmations and give yourself a break. There is likely not going to be any hecklers in your audience, so don't be afraid. I'm sure you'll do very well!!

  24. Gaby Cadena

    I met with some of my mentors this week, and they recommended the same things. I believe that it works because many people have told me this is the secrete sauce to a successful presentation.

  25. Kathryn Montbriand

    congrats on your speaking gig! I wrote a blog about speaking opportunities that has some tips at the end for how to anticipate and prepare for the physical reaction to stress before you get on stage. Few things that might help you out :)

    https://www.kathrynmontbriand.com/when-i-grow-up/003-where-do-i-go-to-practice-public-speaking

  26. Gaby Cadena

    Thank you so much, I will check this out tonight!

  27. Gaby Cadena

    Okay, so I posted this anonymously because I had zero confidence in myself then. All of your comments and suggestions have been so helpful! Also, thank you for the resources and links; I will check those out.

    I am very grateful to all of you, and it was a strong reminder that I have something to give and should not be stopped by fear or doubt. If my information can help someone, then I will overcome these obstacles and keep moving forward. Thank you again for the support and the wishes, they really did make a difference.

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