Picture Credit to PeterF on Unsplash
How to feel confident when speaking in public
In business, we often have to speak publicly. It can be terrifying for some people. Others don’t seem to be bothered at all.
I always feel nervous, but I think that is a good sign.
Without those nerves it there might not be a high enough level of caring about the audience. Nobody really likes listening to a robot!
Practice does make perfect, and it is true to say that the more one does public speaking, the better it feels because there is a level of certainty of knowing that you have prepared.
Any skill can improve with experience. Being aware of how to improve requires feedback.
Anyone who knows me understands that “it’s all about the feedback!”
I was taking part in one of my regular 1:1 meetings with my networking group participants recently. She confided in me that she really dreaded doing her “60” pitch each week. She said she wished she could be more “free-flowing” and natural. She said that is how I come across when doing mine.
I was very flattered and grateful for the feedback. I explained that it had taken me 12 years to reach that point!
The thing about my service and the topics I cover on my 60 seconds is that I am deeply passionate about what I do. It is within my core. I know my subject matter as if it is flowing in my veins and I feel that it does make my heart beat. My PURPOSE is what drives me. WHY I do what I do is very clear to me.
I am a leadership coach who strives to help leaders transform into Even Better Leaders through the power of coaching skills.
I always remember the Angela Mayou quote
“People don’t always remember what you say, they won’t always remember what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
This is true in any situation but especially when speaking publicly .
This is high relevant for all leaders and something to dwell upon even in the small or fastest of interactions – in deed especially when time is short.
Remember – how do you want the other person/people to feel about what you’ve said.
If something is worth saying, then it is worth preparing for. Prepare for the feeling element too.
Top tips for speaking as a leader:
- Prepare the topic and how you want the audience to feel
- Reflect deeply on the purpose of your message
- What do you want the outcome to be?
- Choose the correct approach/setting
- Make time to communicate effectively
- Understand the audience and adjust to their needs
- Less is definitely more
- Manage your feelings
- Practise – the more important the purpose the more necessary it is to prepare properly
- Remember that body language is reported to account for 55% of the message, 38% is pace, pitch, and tone, and 7% are words.
Your breathing is a key part of your communication so remember to relax and take long slow breaths.
If you would like to explore way to become and Even Better Leader with me , you can book your free consultation zoom session here…