Jamila Rizvi: "I used to be terrified of public speaking."

Dear friends,

Back when I was at university (this was some time around the end of the Second World War, young ones) I had a terrible fear of public speaking.?

This was no ordinary case of presentation nerves either. This was full blown pre-event anxiety and mid-speech terror. The kind of terror that manifested as sweaty palms, a wobbly voice and my hands shaking so violently that I couldn't keep speech notes steady.?

I probably could have pushed through to the end of my studies; avoiding class presentations where possible and declining every toast or bridesmaid’s speech for the rest of my life. But towards the end of my second year, I decided this was simply not an option.?

You see, every single career path I had in mind, every dream scenario and every backup to every dream scenario, involved being able to present to a room of people. To have any real chance of job satisfaction in the future, I had to fix it.

Surveys suggest up to 75 percent of people fear speaking in public. That is, three quarters of the population don't like doing a thing that most leadership roles require. That means there are a whole bunch of you out there who are actively dreading new speaking opportunities, instead of relishing them.

I know from experience that when public speaking is scary for you, you watch on with jealousy when others are presenting, wishing you’d be born with ‘it’ too. ‘It’ being that magical ability to remain calm, relaxed and comfortable.

But that’s a lie.

It’s not magic. It’s a skill like any other because it takes effort and practice to learn.?

In FW’s Presenting for Success masterclass , we'll teach you how to present with impact, influence and integrity. We’ll teach you how to craft a message, how to stay on message and how to engage an audience.?

But most importantly, we’ll teach you the psychological tips and tricks to remain calm and stay on top of rising panic. We’ll help you convert that nervous energy into purpose and passion - and we’ll help you kickstart the practice you’re unlikely to volunteer for on your own.

So what are you waiting for? A podium?

Sign up now.

Jamila Rizvi