3 Tips to Silence Your Inner Critic and Slay at Public Speaking

Beyond Videos newsletter 020

Read time: 4 minutes

Topics covered: Public Speaking, Introvert Business Owner

Alright, let's get real for a sec - public speaking is no joke, am I right? ??

I get it.

Public speaking has never been my strong suit, and the mere thought of standing in front of a room, all eyes on me, makes my palms sweat and my heart race faster than Usain Bolt.

But you know what they say, "Feel the fear and do it anyway," right?

Well, that's exactly what I did.

I remember the day I decided to stop letting my inner critic run the show.

I called up Jit Puru , and I just flat-out asked, "Can you help me conquer this public speaking thing once and for all?"

I'm lucky he said yes! ??

I went through a 4-week "Ideas & Inspiration Speaker Readiness Programme" and let me tell you, it was a total game-changer. ??

In the programme, one of my favourite parts was discovering the secret formula for structuring my speeches in a way that would really resonate with my audience.

Now, don't get me wrong, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows.

There were definitely some cringe-worthy moments during the practice sessions, but Jit was there to guide me through it.

He helped me find my voice, work on my body language, and banish that nagging inner critic for good.

The programme pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. In the final week, I was to deliver a 10-minute speech in front of a camera, no cuts, no retakes – just raw, authentic storytelling. ??

I felt like a completely different person.

I was calm, confident, and really felt like a rockstar.

So I want to spill the tea on 3 tips to silence that nagging inner critic and step into the spotlight like a total pro.

Whether you're an introverted business owner looking to level up your entrepreneurial game, or a budding YouTube creator wanting to slay your next video, these tips will help you.

No more apologizing for your presence.

It's time to own that stage and show what you're made of! ????

?? Tip 1: Reframe Your Mindset From "I Can't" to "I've Got This!"

Let's start with the most important piece of the puzzle - your mindset.

I know, I know, it's easier said than done, but hear me out.

That little voice in your head that's constantly telling you "You're gonna mess up," "Nobody wants to hear what you have to say," or "Who do you think you are?" - yeah, that's your inner critic, and it's gotta go.

Instead of letting those negative thoughts run the show, it's time to do a little brain rewiring.

When you catch yourself spiraling into self-doubt, take a deep breath and reframe that narrative.

Tell yourself, "I've got this! I've practiced, I'm prepared, and I'm going to crush it."

Visualize the smiles, the a-ha moments, the satisfied nods from your audience.

And here's a little secret - your inner critic is actually trying to protect you from potential humiliation.

But by acknowledging its presence and consciously replacing those doubts with empowering thoughts, you're essentially disarming that negative voice and taking back control.

It might feel a little awkward at first, but trust me, it works.

?? Tip 2: Embrace the Butterflies By Channelling Your Nervous Energy into Dynamic Delivery

Alright, this! I know this feeling.

Those pre-speech jitters.

Those sweaty palms, racing heart, the sudden urge to run and hide.

But here's the thing - those butterflies in your stomach aren't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, when harnessed properly, that nervous energy can actually work in your favour.

Think about it this way - that adrenaline rush is your body's way of getting you pumped and ready to take on the challenge.

So instead of trying to suppress it, why not channel that excitement into your delivery? Use it to infuse your words with passion, to make your gestures more dynamic, to really connect with your audience.

One of my favourite tricks is to take a few deep breaths just 10-20 seconds before I start and picture myself as a rockstar.

It's a simple mental exercise, but it works wonders for getting me pumped up and ready to slay it.

?? Tip 3: Practice, Practice, Practice (and then practice some more)

Last but not least, let's talk about the nitty-gritty - the actual preparation and practice.

Yes, it's not the most glamorous part of the process, but it's essential.

Think about it this way - would you ever try to perform brain surgery without years of rigorous training and practice?

Heck no!

Public speaking is a skill, and just like any other skill, it takes time, dedication, and repetition to really master.

So don't be afraid to put in the work.

Practice your speech or presentation out loud, in front of a mirror, in front of friends and family. Hone your body language, your vocal inflections, your pacing.

And here's a little tip - record yourself during your practice sessions and then watch them back.

It might feel a little cringeworthy at first, but it's an invaluable way to identify and address any areas for improvement.

Plus, seeing yourself in action will help build that all-important confidence.

Now after reading these 3 tips, you may ask, "How can I even begin to overcome this fear?"

The key is to start small and build up your confidence gradually. Try volunteering to lead a team meeting, or offer to introduce a speaker at a networking event.

It might feel uncomfortable at first, but each time you step outside your comfort zone, you'll get a little bit stronger.

So there you have it - 3 tips to silence your inner critic and step into the spotlight with confidence.

Whether you're an introverted business owner or a budding YouTube creator, these strategies will have you slay your public speaking.

You also need to know, that mistakes will happen, but they’re just stepping stones to greatness.

I now feel empowered to speak, as long as I apply the principles I’ve learned in the programme and also embrace the same 3 tips I shared.

I’m also planning to start speaking on topics like (1) life in the 40s, (2) thriving as a caregiver and entrepreneur, and (3) being a YouTube creator. If you’re looking for a speaker on these topics, hit me up!