Level Up Your Public Speaking Skills

Which do you fear more-getting in front of a room of people for public speaking, or death?

Seems like a grim question and yet, there was a Forbes Magazine article that that the #1 fear of people was public speaking, followed by #2 being death!

Another article pointed out that around 76% of people have anxiety or fear of public speaking.

And yet, being a confident speaker and communicator is one of the best things you can do for your personal and professional growth.

As a professional Speaker myself, and someone who helps others to find, own, and use their voice either in the board room, meetings, or from stage, I want to help you eliminate some of that fear and step into your power and confidence as a Speaker.

Where is the FEAR coming from?

For a lot of people, I believe it is the fear of being judged. "What will others think?" "What if I mess up?" "What if I forget what I'm going to say?" "All eyes will be on me!"

In general, we care a lot about what other people think, so if we feel as though people might not like what we have to say or if we don't say it "perfectly", then we are going to shy away from putting ourselves in those situations.

A lot of people have a fear based on potentially past experiences, such as when they had to speak in front of the class as a kid or a public speaking course where they messed up, and now they carry that around with them telling themselves they aren't a good speaker.

Maybe you are someone who gets up there and your heart starts to race, your voice gets shaky, your hand starts to tremble, and you might even forget what you wanted to say.

Starting From The Root

In order to become more confident in public speaking, you need to start at the root of what is going on.

If you are carrying around a belief that you are NOT a good Speaker, then that is creating your results.

What you focus on, expands.

If you are carrying this belief around, it is impacting your confidence about yourself, the actions you take or don't take (such as shying away from any opportunity to have to speak to a group), and the results you are getting (such as potential growth in your career or a new step you want to take).

Whenever I work with my clients on speaking, we always start with the root of what is getting in the way for you.

Just because it's a story you have told yourself in the past, does NOT mean it has to be true for you now.

Re-read that again, and maybe say it to yourself until it really sinks in.

You need to start by shifting your own identity of who you see yourself as and STOP telling yourself "I can't/I'm not.." and START telling yourself "I can/I am.."

What You Can Do

1. Dig into those old stories you are telling yourself about why you can't/aren't a good Speaker
2. Reframe/re-write those by remembering times you delivered a great point or presentation and telling yourself who you WANT to be, instead of who you don't think you are

3. PRACTICE-the only way to get better and more confident in public speaking is to practice and intentionally seek out opportunities to speak to groups. Start small by speaking up more in meetings, sharing your ideas, and then build up by offering to present at a meeting or doing a bigger presentation.

4. Get Feedback-Get someone to give you feedback on your speaking and provide some tips for you.

5. Work on your body language/voice-A strong speaker has a presence and energy about them when they deliver a message. Work on your overall presence and body language when you speak by doing things like rolling your shoulders back, standing up straight, taking up space. Work on speaking with a clear, succinct and engaging tone and pace. Embrace the power of the pause, which has an impact for both you and the audience.

6. Anchor into your own authentic strengths- The best communicators are able to show up authentically as themselves. What makes you unique and what are your strengths that you can bring through when you speak?

Try out these tips and to hear even more about this topic and learn some of the MISTAKES I see people make, tune into my recent podcast episode:

"What's Holding You Back As a Public Speaker"

Check out all the episodes of the "It Starts With You" Podcast here:

https://itstartswithyouwithjuliemenden.buzzsprout.com/share

It's time to Activate Your Powerful Voice and start speaking with confidence, clarity, and conviction to have you reaching your goals and influencing others!

#publicspeaking #publicspeakingtips #leadership #communicationskills