What do you do if your public speaking skills as a product manager need a confidence boost?

Every time I had to speak about a presentation or give a public announcement, my voice trembled, my palms sweated, and my heartbeat raced. But I decided to accept the fear rather than give in to it. I remember an episode from 'Young Sheldon' that it is ok to be afraid but you have to do it anyway. I made preparations as one of my main tactics. I did a lot of research on my subject, practised my speech, wrote it and imagined myself giving it confidently. This strengthened my understanding and gave me a feeling of control over the circumstances.

The 7Ps coined by British Army during World War II, "Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance" holds true for almost all situations, including public speaking. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the subject and practicing it as many times as it takes before climbing up the stage is the only way to be more comfortable and confident.

I still remembered once, I have attended a rebranding workshop conducted by Schbang, at Masters' Union. I have got the opportunity to collaborate with 5 other aspiring PMs, and we were assigned to rebrand Patanjali, and we have to present it as a team. Then we divided the task among us and have done the work, and successfully presented it infront of 50+ other teams who came to attend the workshop. That was when I started to learn public speaking. And since then I never stopped attending Product Meetups or workshops, the learning goes on...

While Toastmasters events are rather okay, it takes time and it doesn't happen in smaller cities. You rehearse, lots of time. On camera that no one sees you. Just run a timer and get a topic. Work on a challenge to record 10 min pieces daily for the next 30 days (I did that). After the record - make sure to analyze and listen. Does it make sense? Is it engaging? Is it the content you actually wanted to share? How did you behave? How many times did you say that 'uhm' between your words? The basics can be tuned at home. Toastmasters and meetups are level 2. p.s. get to volunteer as well, product camps are great

face it : these skills are not easy to get if you are not a natural speaker / leader. If you can not find a way to conquer your shyness by yourself : join acting classes, or a music band (which play live). Another way could be to take a coach.

Knowing your subject is not just a confidence booster, it's a pre-requisite. But you do not need to be an absolute expert. When QA session comes, if you do not have the answer, it's better to state that you will bring the answer later-on directly to the requester. Most of time, it's acceptable not to know every details.

Having a thorough understanding of your product is crucial for any product manager. It's essential to grasp all facets, from market dynamics to the technology driving it, and the customer requirements it fulfills. This comprehensive knowledge not only boosts your confidence but also equips you to navigate any unforeseen queries or discussions seamlessly during presentations.

Deep knowledge of the subject matter is crucial for confidence in public speaking. Thoroughly preparing content and anticipating potential questions or objections helps me feel more secure and credible.

As a product manager you should have subject matter expertise and a global view. Be prepared so you know more about most product related topics than your audience. However, be modest and know your limits. It is ok to not know everything, to come back to a question after looking into it. The worst thing to do, is make something up on the spot, when you really don′t know. That will make you loose credibility. You will engage with audiences where there are deep experts in single or multiple fields related to your product, be open to that, engage in dialog and learn from them. This will build relationships and it allows you to grow your expertise.

To boost confidence in public speaking as a product manager, ensure you thoroughly understand your material. Deep knowledge of your topic can significantly ease anxiety, as you'll feel prepared to handle questions and engage with your audience. Spend time researching, preparing, and rehearsing your content. When you know your stuff inside and out, your confidence will naturally improve, making your presentations more compelling and authoritative.

Build your slides for your audience and the key take away. All software have a speaker notes features. learn to use it. It makes the difference when you did not have the time to master your presentation before speaking.

Incorporating visual aids, such as slides or props, can enhance presentations and provide additional support. Visual aids not only engage the audience but also serve as prompts, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence. However, it's important to use visual aids sparingly and ensure they complement, rather than distract from, the main message of the presentation.

When giving a speech, don't underestimate the power of visual aids. Whether it's slides or demos, they can add depth to your talk and keep your audience engaged. Just make sure they complement your message rather than distract from it. Keep visuals clear and concise, helping you stay focused while guiding your audience through your points.

Make sure to only use visual aids if they really add something. Don′t stuff them with text, don′t fill them with graphs that nobody can read, don′t stand there and read the slides. If you are planning to do that, just send them the slides to read it. Use the visual aids in a graphical way, grab your audience by telling a story, engage those who understand and get the picture with visual rather than listening or reading, but make sure the attention is on you as a speaker, not on the aid. You can use them as a marker and time indicator for your speech, but always prefer to have an interactive session over getting to the end of your slides.

Certifique-se de montar uma apresenta??o agradável, de acordo com o perfil e localiza??o em que você está. Na minha experiência, no Brasil, tenho por hábito utilizar cores que lembrem a marca da empresa e tons mais neutros, claros, também procuro trazer gráficos, imagens como boa resolu??o referentes ao tema, alguns itens de destaque que irei detalhar no decorrer na narrativa. Utilize recursos visuais atrativos que representem você e a forma como você é. Seja mais descontraído (avalie seu publico), mais formal, mais sintético ou mais detalhado (abertura dos números sintetizados)

Straightening my posture, making eye contact, and using open gestures made me feel more assertive and in control. Increasing the volume at home to practice and speaking in front of the mirror helps in improving body language and makes eye contact comfortable.

The best way is to mimic your favourite speaker. Try to mimic the exact same guestures and practise them infront of a mirror. You'll feel more confident by looking at you what looks good to you and what doesn't.

Stand straight, open arms & shoulders, facing your audience. Move your arms and speak with your hands (like the Italian cliché). If your are on a stage : walk When facing the crowd, I personally always focus my sight in thin air at 1 meter or 2 meters from me, in direction of the audience. People in front of you will have the sensation you look directly to the crowd, but not making eye contact can help you to stay focus on what your are saying.

As leaders, our body language sets the tone for interactions with clients, partners, and employees. Emphasizing confident body language isn't just about appearing poised; it's about fostering trust and credibility. I often coach my team members on the importance of body language in client meetings and presentations, as it can make a significant difference in how our message is received.

Body language significantly impacts how we are perceived in professional settings. For instance, adopting an open stance and nodding during discussions can make stakeholders feel heard and valued, fostering a more collaborative environment. Similarly, leaders who use direct eye contact and firm handshakes are often viewed as more decisive and trustworthy. On the other hand, avoiding eye contact or having a slouching posture can signal disinterest or lack of confidence, potentially eroding stakeholder trust. By consciously employing positive body language, professionals can enhance their interactions and relationships, leading to more successful outcomes in their engagements

Boost your public speaking confidence as a product manager by recording and reviewing your own presentations. While it might feel uncomfortable at first to watch or listen to yourself, this method allows you to critically assess your performance. Identify areas for improvement, such as your pace, clarity, and use of language, and observe positive aspects to reinforce. This self-review technique is a powerful tool for enhancing your public speaking skills effectively.

Actively seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or recording and reviewing presentations allows for continuous improvement. Constructive feedback helps identify areas for refinement and builds confidence over time. Incorporating feedback from previous presentations into future ones helps address weaknesses and capitalize on strengths, ultimately boosting confidence and effectiveness as a speaker.

After giving a presentation, don't forget to seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. They can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and highlight your strengths. Embrace this feedback to refine your skills and boost your confidence in public speaking.

In my experience, Visualizing successes rewired my brain, erasing doubt and fueling my confidence. With each speech, mental prep became my steadfast ally, guiding me through the nervous time. Making mini self talk and pep talk before the stage really helps. Another thing that really helps is imagining that you own everything out there. Own the room.

To enhance my public speaking confidence, I'd employ various strategies. First, I'd focus on thorough preparation, crafting compelling narratives and visuals to convey my message effectively. Next, I'd practice regularly, both alone and in front of friends, to build comfort and fluency in delivering presentations. Additionally, I'd seek opportunities to speak in different settings, such as team meetings or industry events, gradually expanding my comfort zone. Finally, I'd actively seek feedback from peers or mentors to identify areas for improvement and refine my delivery over time.

Rehearse your presentation multiple times, familiarizing yourself with the content and pacing to build confidence in your delivery. Seek opportunities for feedback and constructive criticism to refine your speaking skills further. Boost your confidence in public speaking through mental preparation techniques as a product manager. Visualize successful presentations, focusing on delivering key messages with clarity and conviction. Remember, each speaking opportunity is a chance to grow and showcase your expertise.

Always remember, it is never too late to be who you might have been. Start doing it today, for what you want to become a year later. Small actions each day, take us to the destination.

Conquering your shyness is probably one of the most rewarding thing someone can do, for both your personal and professional life.

Being a product manager one of the key aspect is being confident about the communication. To improve communication skills is to always take that one extra step to communicate your thoughts through and get feedback. Eventually the confidence will come along the way if feedbacks taken constructively and is worked upon.

To boost your public speaking confidence as a product manager, treat each presentation like a story about solving a customer's problem. Imagine the audience as friends you're excited to help with your product's journey. This mindset shift can transform nerves into enthusiasm and make your words resonate more genuinely.