Executive Nightmares: Death, Taxes, and Public Speaking

“Picture them sitting there in their underwear” - Mike Brady

In an episode from “The Brady Bunch” (TV Series 1969–1974), Jan is terrified at the thought of having to speak in public so her father gives her this advice to calm her nerves: “Picture them sitting there in their underwear”.

Envisioning your peers and colleagues in their undergarments may not be calming to most of us, so let’s look at some of the causes and cures for this phobia.?

Facing Your Fears

Today, we explore the executive psyche, diving into the trio of primal fears: Death, Taxes, and the formidable adversary – Public Speaking. While the inevitability of death and taxes are part of our professional landscape, the panic surrounding public speaking doesn’t need to be.?

Many executives choose to confront this fear because they understand that sharing their message is good for both professional and personal reasons.

As a company that organizes professional summits around the world, CDM Media has extensive experience with thousands of executives and public speakers.

For this reason, we’re going to look at executive public speaking with an educational lens, offering strategies to enable you to ‘face your fears’ and share your message on stage.

The Irony

Why is it easy for executives to speak eloquently to their teams, and give visionary presentations during internal meetings, but still panic at the idea of speaking to an anonymous audience?

Here are some of the reasons:

Increased Visibility and Scrutiny:

• Public speaking often involves a broader audience, which can range from industry peers to the general public. The heightened visibility and potential scrutiny from a diverse audience can intensify the pressure.

Perceived Stakes and Consequences:

• Executives may feel that public speaking comes with higher stakes and consequences. The impact of their words might be magnified, leading to concerns about potential repercussions on their professional image and the reputation of the organization.

Lack of Familiarity with the Audience:

• Internal meetings typically involve familiar faces and colleagues who share a common organizational context. Public speaking, on the other hand, involves addressing individuals with varying backgrounds, interests, and expectations. The unknown audience can be a source of apprehension.
• Fear of Failure:Executives, accustomed to achieving success within their organizations, may fear failure when presenting to a larger audience. The prospect of making a mistake in a more public forum can be a significant source of stress.
• Unfamiliarity with Public Speaking Techniques:Public speaking requires a different skill set than internal communication. Executives may not have had the opportunity to develop and refine these specific skills, leading to discomfort and anxiety.
• Concerns about Personal Branding:Executives often view public speaking as a reflection of their personal brand. The fear of not meeting expectations or damaging their professional image can contribute to anxiety.

To address these challenges, executives can benefit from opportunities to practice and techniques to manage anxiety. In the upcoming weeks, we will do our best to help our readers improve this skill and overcome their fears to present confidently in any setting.

Here is a start…

Strategies for Mastery:

• Embrace the Power of Silence:Strategically utilize pauses for impact, transforming silence into a tool of influence.
• Infuse Humor with Purpose:Employ humor strategically to engage your audience, generating a connection and shared understanding.
• Transcend the Stage:Envision the stage as an extension of your boardroom, fostering a conversational atmosphere.
• Rehearse for Relaxation:Elevate confidence through relaxed rehearsal, akin to warming up for a game without stress or anxiety. And don’t overthink it!

Next steps...

So seize the opportunity to conquer the stage. Public speaking, when approached with strategic mindfulness, transforms into a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Your audience awaits insights only you can deliver, making your speeches an invaluable asset in your executive journey.

While there are certain fears that are part of life, public speaking doesn’t need to be one of them!

Most of our speakers begin with a panel or fireside chat (that feels as easy and relaxed as a conversation in the break room) and then move on to a keynote address. We provide pre-event coaching and preparation to make it ‘easy and fun’ (as many participants have said).?

If you want to get started, join us as a speaker at an upcoming event by clicking here: CxO Summits