Are you someone who gets nervous before giving a presentation at work? The good news is you’re not alone. In fact, public speaking is one of the most common fears people have. The great news is that there are things you can do to overcome your fear of public speaking and become a confident, successful presenter.
This is so incredibly important because it allows you to transfer your ideas and thoughts to others. When you think of “public speaking” you think of large crowds, but this could be as simple as a meeting with your peers. Either way people are going to respond based on your ability to share your information and how much you appear to believe what you’re talking about.
The first step to overcoming your fear of public speaking is to join Toastmasters.
Toastmasters is an organization that provides a supportive environment where you can practice your communication and leadership skills. When you join Toastmasters, you’ll be given the opportunity to give speeches, lead meetings, and conduct presentations—all in a safe, supportive setting. With regular practice, you’ll develop the skills and confidence you need to succeed as a leader and speaker.
Another great way to overcome your fear of public speaking is to find a mentor who can help you learn the ropes. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and advice as you work to develop your skills as a speaker and leader. If you don’t know anyone who would make a good mentor, reach out to your local Toastmasters club or look for mentors online.
There are plenty of resources available to help you find the perfect mentor for your needs. In fact, you would be shocked how many people who you look up to would love to help you, but you must ask. I remember asking my “to be” mentor whom I didn’t really know except from a networking meeting many years ago to mentor me. He was the CEO of a large financial institution in Charlotte, but he was more than willing to help. In fact, I recall him saying to me no one has asked that before.
In addition to finding a mentor, it’s also helpful to study the body language and styles of great speakers. This will give you some insights into how successful speakers carry themselves and how they use their words and gestures to engage their audiences. Watching videos of great speeches is a great way to learn more about effective public speaking techniques. You will never get better in a day. It’s a day by day commitment to grow in confidence. If you feel uncertain when challenging yourself, that’s a great thing. Preparation is the key to success.
At the end of the day, if you’re looking to overcome your fear of public speaking, there are plenty of resources available to help you—you just need to know where to look. The biggest issue most people have is the willingness to get uncomfortable. Get out there and express yourself! By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident, successful presenter in no time!
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