I'm the best worst public speaker!
Camille H. Tate, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP
Head of Talent @Strava | HR Podcaster | People Advocate | enrich host
I was in conversation with Strava's VP of Engineering, Claude Jones and he asked me how many speaking engagements I do a year. I thought about it...I do quite a few! Not because I think I'm the most amazing public speaker but because I strive to overcome FEAR.
Public speaking ranks super high amongst many, as a #1 fear. It's good to know I'm not alone in this. This has been something that has crippled me for most of my career. One day after I had my son, 4 years ago, I decided I was going to say YES to speaking requests. I wanted to overcome this and made a commitment to myself to practice the craft of speaking in front of groups.
What I have found out is, I'm the 'best worst speaker' you'll ever hear and I'm okay with that. This is a title that I graciously bestowed upon myself. I say 'umm', 'like', trip over my words and it's probably like nails on a chalkboard to many professional speakers. But guess what, I show up authentically as Camille, major energy, personality, and years of expert knowledge in my craft. The most important part of that last statement is SHOWING UP and facing my fear. I know that I need to improve my words and remove the fillers. That will come as long as I continue to say YES to overcoming my fears.
So this post, more than anything, is encouraging those that might have this fear. Don't think you have to be perfect to show up and practice. And cheers to overcoming the fear of speaking to other flawed human beings, because we all have something.
Positive Disruptor | Organizational Psychologist - leadership & team development, human-centered change, and culture synchronization
7 个月Camille Thanks for sharing!
Award-Winning Media Executive | Published Editor | Brand Builder | Transforming Cultures | Crafting Strategies for Excellence | Board Member | Fashion Model | Servant Leader
3 年I think you’re an amazing public speaker. Cheers to the power of saying YES and striving to tackle your fears. Well played my friend!????????????
Founder @ Kalorama Studios | ?? Visual Storytelling for Trade Associations, Corporations, and Nonprofits
3 年This is great, Camille! By definition—this is courageous! It reminds me of my camp counseling days...the advice that would always help on the high rope obstacles (no matter if they were grown adults or middle schoolers) was: "The only way to overcome fear—is to face it head on". Thanks for sharing!
Global Product Marketing Leader | Passionate About Helping Tech Health & Wellness Brands
3 年Love this Camille! Couldn't agree more - showing up for yourself and being authentically you while continuing to get experience has helped me develop my public speaking skills as well. Also, I would never be able to tell in the live events I have seen you speak at! You come across as super confident and personable.
Director of Commercial Real Estate | Chief Experience Officer | Encourager of Greatness
3 年Love this