Public speaking is a seminal skill for professional advancement, and unfortunately, one of the most dreaded forms of communication.
The positives are numerous. A natural and confident public speaker can do the following:
- Influence, motivate, inform and inspire
- Lead change
- Form connections
- Bring people together in the face of adversity
- Share knowledge, passion and insights
- Build trust and create opportunities
Yet, despite all the above wonderful leadership qualities, the idea of public speaking is often perceived as extreme stress, so much so, that many of us put it in the 'too hard' basket.
Why is it such a common phobia? Why do we panic? Why do our legs turn to jelly, our mouths fill with cottonwool, our hearts beat double-time, and our brains disconnect?
It’s time to take it out of the 'too hard' basket.
If you can understand the psychological and emotional challenges, you can more easily navigate and surmount them.
Why do our legs turn to jelly, our mouths fill with cottonwool, our hearts
beat double-time, and our brains disconnect?
Fear of Judgment and Embarrassment: The most significant underlying reason is the fear of being negatively evaluated, humiliated, or even laughed at by an audience. This can be magnified in professional settings where a person's reputation or career prospects might be felt at stake.
Vulnerability: Public speaking requires putting yourself and your ideas in the spotlight, which can lead to a sense of emotional exposure and vulnerability that many people find uncomfortable.
Negative Past Experiences: A previous bad experience, (just think of your school days) such as forgetting lines or receiving an unsupportive reaction, often stay in a person's mind and fuel future anxiety, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure.
Perfectionism and High Expectations: Many people set an unattainable standard for a "perfect" speech. The pressure to perform flawlessly (in your mother tongue or even in a second or third language) can be overwhelming and paralyzing.
Imposter Syndrome: Many of us struggle with the feeling that we don't have enough expertise or don't deserve to be in a position of authority, which can intensify the fear of being "exposed" as a fraud.
The good news is that you or anyone can become a confident public speaker. Yes, you can.
All the above difficulties, most of them more irrational than rational, can be overcome with preparation, structure and practice, and a talented trainer.
Read more here about how we prepare public speakers (in both English and French). You can also read comments from our students.
If you would like more information, please contact us by email here.