Start Speaking With Greater Confidence
Susan-Jane Harrison
I help creative writers, actors and motivational speakers bring out their authentic voice to reach their audience. Turn anxiety into the joy of sharing your message by learning holistic, repeatable techniques.
Like everything, it's much easier once you've dipped your toe in. Starting is the hardest part, right?
And yet that first moment is the most important, not just for your audience, but for you.??I'm sure you know why:? it sets the tone.? Plus, getting off to a good start will calm your nerves.
That first moment is the most stressful.? It's the hello of a first date, the?pleased to meet you?of a job interview.? It's meeting your partner's family for the first time.? It's the moment when your palms are most likely to be sweaty, your breathing ragged and your smile, a little wobbly or a little... fixed!
Do you spend enough time rehearsing your opening moment?
Is it better for you to improvise this first moment, or memorize it? Time spent memorizing your?hello, your welcome, your?introduction, is generally?a great idea, but it really depends on where you are in your speaking journey.
If you don't know how appear natural while delivering?something you've learned by heart, another option for you is to practice improvising it.
This starts with imagining different scenarios.? What's your style?? Is your energy warm and?sweet or?large and commanding???Are you a bit of a stand up comedian ready to respond to the moment?? Are you a minimalist gesturer with a quiet demeanor?
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Based on using your own natural energy to connect with people, take yourself on an imaginative journey:
There's nothing like working on speaking skills to bring up the critical voice.? ?Believe me, I understand.? The first thing I had to confront when I was in actor training was this: I had to be self aware enough to?keep on track without undermining myself with?critical judgement.??As Hamlet says,?there's the rub.??It takes time, practice and support.
If you are a person who needs to communicate, speak, present well to achieve your goals and?the very thought of doing this on your own sends you running in the opposite direction, consider letting me be your guide and cheerleader.
Feel free to ask me any questions by messaging me right here on LinkedIn!