What's your secret to overcoming obstacles in public speaking?

I have found that including three elements for every key message is valuable: 1) A story to connect with the audience, 2) a clear message that is easily memorable, and 3) actionable advice or tips. This way, you're able to inspire and move people to take action after your talk.

Chances are you’re presenting to an audience that will see you as the expert. So while you may feel anxious and nervous (and a little of that is ok to keep you sharp), be the expert you are. -use words you are comfortable with -use presentations for outline, graphics and aid only, you are going to tell a story and refer to visuals. If you rely on your audience to read slides, they will not listen to what you are saying -know who is in your audience and why your topic relates to them -if you stumble to find words you rehearsed, remember- you know the topic, convey what you mean to say (no one will know it’s off script!) -anticipate questions. You won’t have all the answers, but you’ll have a lot of them (And that’s ok- just be truthful)

I often practice my talks while driving or in the shower. It will help get you comfortable with the words, messages and examples.

Practice is an essential component of improving any skill, including public speaking. Learn what you need to do to be ready, but be careful not to "over practice." Too much practice can make you even more nervous during the speech.

Learn to ask good questions or find someone who can do this for you. This practice allows you the chance to work through your talk logically and retool it to be ahead of the listener by answering questions in the talk. This gives the listener the opportunity to engage with the content on a deeper level. The most gifted public speakers can work their way through a talk at the surface level with eloquence. Those who develop a way to ask the obvious questions of themselves can present a message that is more targeted and more impactful.

I find this helps: -actively make eye contact with the audience, you’ll find them nod and smile when you do -speaking in a tone and vernacular common with the audience will create a connection -use words that are natural for you to use -remember what’s in it for YOU and have fun, the audience will feel your energy

There are a few things I've found essential for me to relax and enjoy my speaking engagements. First, practice. I practice many times, recording myself, timing stories, and watching, tweaking, and practicing again until the talk flows naturally and easily. Second, I always get there early to scope out the room, the technology, and hopefully to meet some of the audience and start to build rapport even before I speak. Thirdly, I often escape to the restroom before I go on to stretch out in a "victory" pose and breathe deeply. As Amy Cuddy's research and TED talk explains, taking the posture of a winner can build confidence. Finally, I often include a story from the organization or audience I met in the talk, to boost connection.