“Even experienced speakers get nervous. That adrenaline is good — it means you care.”
One of the most critical leadership skills is your ability to engage audiences. At the same time, public speaking is something many of us avoid at all costs.
When I was coaching, my focus was entirely on helping my client. When I was speaking, my focus was on my own performance — and that’s what caused the nerves.
So what can you do to change your focus and calm those nerves?
Watch this 5 1/2 minute video in which Dave and I share examples from our own experiences, and how to be more effective.
Now here’s your homework:
Think about an area where you do feel performance anxiety — and compare it to an area where you don’t. What’s different about your focus?
(If you’re pressed for time and just want the transcript,
send me an email with the subject line “Focus For Speaking”.)
A collaboration with David C Miller, Author of The Influential Actuary
I never liked public speaking from the time I was in school. LOL However when we had our interior decorating business I could talk a client’s ear off because I enjoyed the topic so much.
That is a great point, Martha! When it’s a topic we care about, it makes all the difference. So a good question to ask yourself might be “what aspect of this really excites me, that I can lean into in my presentation?”