From Dread to Mastery: My Journey with Public Speaking

If you had told me during my university days that public speaking would become one of my most valuable skills, I wouldn’t have believed you. Back then, just the thought of standing in front of an audience to present my ideas filled me with anxiety. I wasn’t a natural speaker—I often felt overwhelmed by the pressure to perform perfectly, and I dreaded every moment I had to spend in front of a class.

But life has a funny way of pushing us into the very things we fear the most.

“If it scares you it may be a good thing to try.” Seth Godin.

After my days in the corporate world, I embarked on a career in the media industry, and soon found myself in the role of a TV Producer. It was here that I faced one of my biggest challenges: presenting intangible ideas to clients. Unlike in university, these presentations weren’t just graded assignments—they were crucial for the success of projects, and often, my ability to convince clients was the difference between a green light and a rejection.

At first, the same old anxieties crept in. But I quickly realized that if I wanted to succeed, I had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Public speaking was no longer optional—it was essential.

Learning Through Experience

In those early years as a producer, I often found myself in rooms filled with high-stakes decision-makers, trying to sell a concept that existed only in my mind. Unlike selling a physical product, I had to make clients see the value in something that wasn’t yet tangible—something they had to trust and resonates with a broad audience once it came to life.

One example stands out vividly in my memory. I was pitching a concept for a commercial that was unconventional and risky. The client was hesitant, unsure if the idea would connect with their audience. As I presented, I could feel the tension in the room. But instead of retreating into my old habits of self-doubt, I leaned into the challenge. I focused on the core message, on why this idea was unique and how it aligned with the client’s brand. I answered their concerns with confidence, drawing on all the research and preparation I had done.

“Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.” Jim Rohn.

The pitch was a success, and the project went on to become one of our most impactful campaigns. That experience was a turning point for me. I realized that public speaking wasn’t just about delivering a message—it was about connecting with people, addressing their concerns, and making them believe in your vision.

Over time, I developed the ability to think on my feet, to respond smartly and confidently in the moment. These skills didn’t come overnight, but with every presentation, I became more comfortable, more capable, and more resilient.

Taking It to the Classroom & Beyond

The skills I developed as a TV Producer have proven invaluable in my current role as a lecturer. Today, I regularly stand before 150-200 students in a single lecture, each one with their own expectations and learning styles. It’s a vastly different audience from my corporate clients, but the principles remain the same: clear communication, quick thinking, and authenticity.

“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” Albert Einstein.

In the classroom, my ability to engage students, explain complex concepts clearly, and respond to questions on the fly is crucial for their learning experience. I’ve come to realize that public speaking isn’t just about conveying information—it’s about inspiring, motivating, and connecting with your audience, whether they’re clients in a boardroom or students in a lecture hall.

In the Hot Seat: My Experience with TV Interviews

My journey with public speaking took another leap when I was invited to be interviewed on a national TV station. This was a whole new level of exposure—one where the stakes felt higher, knowing that my words and how I presented myself would reach a national audience.

The experience reminded me of the importance of staying calm under pressure and being able to articulate thoughts clearly, even in unexpected situations. In live interviews, there’s no room for error; you need to think quickly, answer questions concisely, and maintain your composure. The skills I had cultivated over the years—resilience, quick thinking, and the ability to connect with an audience—were all put to the test in that moment.

Looking back, I see how every presentation, every pitch, and every lecture had prepared me for that interview. It was a culmination of everything I had learned about public speaking, and it reinforced the idea that this skill is not just about the spoken word, but about confidence, clarity, and connection.

“The best speeches come from the heart and reflect your passion. Speak as if your life depended on it.” Rave Robinson.?

5 Top Tips for Newcomers to Master Public Speaking

If you’re someone who, like me, once dreaded public speaking, here are my top five tips to help you stay confident and master this crucial skill:

1. Embrace the Fear: Understand that it’s normal to feel nervous. Instead of letting that fear hold you back, use it as a source of energy. Remember, every time you speak, you’re improving, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.

2. Prepare Thoroughly: Confidence comes from preparation. Know your material inside and out. Anticipate questions or objections and prepare your responses. The more prepared you are, the more in control you’ll feel.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice: The only way to get better at public speaking is to do it often. Take every opportunity to present, even if it’s just to a small group. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.

4. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection: Don’t get caught up in trying to be perfect. Focus on connecting with your audience. Speak from the heart, and let your passion for the subject shine through. People respond to authenticity.

5. Learn from Feedback: After each presentation, seek feedback. What worked well? What could be improved? Use this feedback to refine your approach and continuously grow.

Conclusion

Public speaking is a journey, and like any journey, it has its challenges. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over my 20 years as a TV Producer & as a lecturer - it’s that the skills you gain through public speaking—resilience, quick thinking, and the ability to connect with others—are invaluable. They not only help you in your career but also in your personal growth.

So, to anyone out there who feels the same dread I once did, know this: mastery is possible. It requires patience, practice, and the courage to push through discomfort. But once you do, you’ll find that public speaking is not just a skill—it’s a superpower. #KitaBuatDia ??