Whether I am teaching a class in Public Speaking, giving a workshop on Corporate Presentation Skills, or coaching one on one with a client; the number one request I get is, "Please help me conquer my fear!"
This is not a surprise considering any Google search for a list of top fears will include Speaking in Public or Social Phobia (A broader term that includes Public Speaking). Depending on who compiled the list, his fear usually ranks somewhere around the number three spot. What is more notable however, is that more often than not, it ranks several spots ahead of death. Leading to the old joke, most people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.
The bottom line is, my clients and students come to me believing that the removal of their fear is the key to becoming a successful presenter, and they are counting on me to provide that key. Perhaps you have also been sure that conquering fear = confident/effective speaker?
Today is your lucky day because I am going to give you, for free, what I give at the first meeting to those paying for my expertise. Do you want the good news first or the bad news? The bad news? Let's just get it over with? OK great, here it goes:
YOU WILL MOST LIKELY NEVER CONQUER YOUR FEAT. AT BEST YOU WILL LEARN TO MANAGE IT
It helps to remember that bravery is not the absence of fear, but being afraid and doing it anyway. OK, so no magic secret or trick to erase your fear, then how do I help my clients be brave? By teaching them strategies to create a powerful presentation, using verbal and physical queuing alongside a working mindset crafted specifically to produce the desired response from your audience. You may be wondering at this point, ok, what's the good news? Here it is:
THESE ARE SKILLS ANYONE CAN LEARN! THEY ARE TEACHABLE, ACCESSIBLE TOOLS AND THE BEST SPEAKERS/PRESENTERS YOU HAVE SEEN ARE USING THEM. IN FACE, MOST OF THEM ARE QUITE LIKELY FILLED WITH FEAR AND YOU WOULD NEVER KNOW!
Hopefully, it is a relief to know that you do not have to stop being afraid in order to be a successful speaker. You can manage that fear and become brave by tackling this challenge the same way you would any learning challenge. With education, information, time and practice. If you would like to start that journey, feel free to reach out and we can discuss a plan to transform your presentation game from the minor leagues to a World Series grand slam!