Numerous studies confirm Public Speaking is a fear many have. It holds back countless people from reaching their potential. The phobia often goes hand-in-hand with fears of failure, rejection, and the unknown.
Quotes from clients confirm this and the negative impact it has.
“I have lost promotional opportunities because I’ve turned down invitations to make presentations.”
“I’m sick and tired of coworkers who don’t contribute as much as I do; getting recognition, bonuses, and sometimes promotions because they are speaking.
“They are not very good. However, they are doing it and I’m not!”
Facing that fear and doing something about it is worth the investment in time, pain, and practice.
Here are five reasons why lessening that anxiety and delivering presentations can have a positive impact on your life.
*Lessening the fear, rather than eliminating it should be the goal. Take that nervous energy and put it
into your talk. A presentation without energy is B-o-r-i-n-g!”
Be seen as an EXPERT!
We perceive speakers as EXPERTS.
We like to work with EXPERTS.
EXPERTS command higher fees for their products and services.
EXPERTS are admired and frequently sought out for their advice and knowledge.
1. “Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities!”
(My mantra!)
The research shows individuals who take and make “Speaking Opportunities” grow their businesses, advance their careers, and increase their leadership roles.”
Have you ever been expected or wanted to:
• Make a Speech.
• Deliver a Presentation.
• Present an Award.
• Accept a Prize.
• Introduce a Speaker.
• Toast a Bride and Groom.
• Hold a Press Conference.
• Conduct an Interview.
• Be a Master of Ceremonies.
• Deliver a Eulogy.
• Facilitate a Meeting.
• Attend a Networking Event.
• Give an Elevator Speech.
• Tell a group about a trip you recently took.
• Give a “How To” on a topic.
• Make a Sales Presentation.
• Be Interviewed.
• Ask a Question at a Public Forum.
• And More!
The above are all “Speaking Opportunities!” Take and make them!
In the public and private sector, there are numerous stories about people being promoted, hired, referred, and elected because they deliver great presentations.
1. Increase Knowledge.
Continually research and update your presentations. That activity, plus questions and comments from audiences, will feed your knowledge. Increasing the understanding of your subject matter gives more material to present to audiences and increases your reputation as an EXPERT!
Knowing what you know, and equally important, what you and don’t know, teaches what to seek information on. Continually find those answers and grow towards subject mastery!
2. Build Self Confidence.
For most of us, standing in front of people and delivering a talk takes us out of our comfort zone. That’s why public speaking can be uncomfortable. When we get out of our comfort zone we make it larger! That increases self-confidence, a trait worth possessing. Having “confidence in your competence” is noticed, admired, and appreciated by
audiences.
3. Be Powerful!
If you have a message that can impact people in a positive manner, the ability to deliver it in a manner that educates, entertains, and easily explains it, is – Powerful!
A presentation has two components; Content and Delivery.
• Content is the message.
• Delivery is presenting that message.
• Delivery surpasses content in importance.
• The greatest ideas, messages, and causes won’t be received or acted on if not delivered
Powerfully!
• Deliver it that way and the ripple effects can multiply the impact!
Know and understand the reasons to be a speaker.
Develop, practice, and deliver presentations with those purposes in mind and I guarantee your next presentation will be absolutely, positively – NO SWEAT!
Originally published on Ladders.
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