In writing my upcoming book I interviewed over one dozen introvert specialists for the six essential communications skills for the introvert to master for everyday business success. Suzy Kedzierski was a delight and then I learned of her new Kindle book: 10 Secrets to Powerful Public Speaking … Even If You’re Deathly Afraid of Being the Center of Attention In this guest blog, she gives us a glimpse of valuable insights from it.
“I can’t say exactly when I first became aware that I was deathly afraid of getting up in front of a group, whether actually having to make a presentation or just being the center of attention …
Although I was always a shy kid, with at most a handful of schoolmates I could call friends, there was no one incident I can point to that made me terrified of being front and center of any group. No humiliating moment that changed my life. And yet, when I tell you I was petrified, I exaggerate not one little bit.”
Thus starts off Suzy Kedzierski’s Ebook, 10 Secrets to Powerful Public Speaking … Even If You’re Deathly Afraid of Being the Center of Attention.
Here is a glimpse of the valuable tips:
Believe me, if you begin to sweat at the mere thought of having to get in front of a group, give a speech or make a presentation, I understand; and you’re far from being alone. But recognizing that millions of others are in the same boat is little consolation.
As a communications professional, you might think that speaking would come naturally to me. But you’d be wrong. Writing, not speaking, is my strength. So for years, both my audience and I suffered through my presentations, while I wondered how it was that my colleagues—some many years my junior—seemed to breeze through their sessions with ease.
Then one day, a colleague filled me in on the one Big Secret that changed my outlook forever—and it had nothing whatsoever to do with visualizing my audience in their underwear. It was an “aha moment” for me. And that insight was so effective, at the very next national sales meeting, I got fifteen minutes into my talk before I even realized that I was halfway done, was not the least bit scared, and was actually enjoying the experience.
Let me share with you a few ideas packed in the book of more than 30 tips and tricks designed to help you turn frozen fear into power, polish, and style.
Here’s just one example. Do you completely blank out when you first get up to speak? Try this, next time. Print out a copy of your slides— four or six to a page, and write out the entire first sentence or two of your opening remarks at the top of the page, so you can start off by reading your notes, just in case the inevitable happens. For me, once past the first few sentences, muscle memory usually kicked in for the balance of the presentation. And just knowing that I had my notes to refer to, if needed, helped ease my mind.
And, here’s a tip that can help you avoid that panic feeling when it’s time to actually get up to speak. Try to get comfortable with the feel of the room and the size of the crowd, ahead of time. How? Simply arrive a tad bid early, and stand at the front of the room as it fills up. Simple, right?
This Ebook was written expressly for businesswomen, though men can benefit from it, too. I hope you’ll consider grabbing a copy of “10 Secrets…” today. Not just because it can help advance your career, but because, in many ways, the same general concepts apply to virtually everything—from job interviews to making new friends, or excelling in sales. Here’s the URL link: amzn.com/B00HTNY65G. Download it, read it, then drop me a line and let me know what you think. I absolutely would love to hear from you.
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About the Author: Suzy Kedzierski is a marketing and communications consultant and writer, specializing in distilling complex concepts into compelling marketing messages. She’s written on topics ranging from elevators to aptamers (chemically-synthesized strands of RNA or DNA molecules), bad translations to great marketing ploys, extreme job hunting to out of focus images, and everything in between. Whether light-hearted humor or a serious business-to-business brochure, travel writing, corporate PowerPoint presentation, or a fundraising appeal, she’s done it all. You can view a sampling of her other writings or reach out to her on her blog: www.MarketingCommunicationsInk.com
Two great tips. Certainly the one about the first sentence is one that I often use and find it has helped many people.
I often combine it with the following idea. My idea is based on the thought that trying to remember everything you’ll say doesn’t help. So, I have a couple of “first sentences” exactly as you suggest and practice my presentation whilst walking round the village (or some fields).
So, I’m actually presenting, and the exercise at the same time helps control the breathing. I occasionally look at one of the ‘first sentences’ and other than that get used to the type of things I feel comfortable saying out loud
I was a software trainer so I got past this really quickly. For me it was the realization that I knew more than they did, and I was always preparing ahead of time.
Ah, the old public speaking panic thing… guilty!! I have done as you recommended regarding getting comfortable with the feel of the room and the size of the crowd, ahead of time. It really goes help, especially when you see some familiar and friendly faces in the crowd.
Thanks for the comments. I like Jon’s idea of practice with exercise. Now THAT never occurred to me. Hope some of the 30 or so other ideas in the book prove useful. Suzy Kedzierski
Most of us find it scary to hold a public speech. Not least since there may be someone in the audience that is in a bad mood and decides to take it out on you.
Good suggestion to have a copy of your slides and the first sentence.
Hi Catarina – That’s a very interesting point. And it’s something I didn’t deal with in the Ebook. But here’s one suggestion. If you have someone in your audience that is disruptive or making negative comments DURING your talk, you might thank them for their comment/question, but then say that given the amount of material you have to cover, perhaps you could get through your presentation first and then take questions from the audience afterwards, ensuring you have time to cover everything you intended to share with them that day. Sounds polite, and sidesteps the issue altogether.
Of course, also helps to keep in mind your point – that sometimes people are just having a bad day. Maybe they just had a fight with their husband/wife/boss/kid/significant other, or maybe they heard some bad news … and they’re taking it out on you, but their negativity is not a reflection on your or your presentation. (It’s something my ever-sweet grandmother taught me – and it’s true in all situations, in the office, the line at the grocery store …)
BTW – I just wanted to mention that you DON’T actually need any kind of Kindle or Ereader to read an Ebook. (Several people told me they wouldn’t be able to access my Ebook since they didn’t have an Ereader.) Ebooks are readable on ANY computer or tablet. You may need to download a Free app for Kindle Reader, but other than that, you’re good to go.
Thanks for all your comments and please keep the conversation going. I so happy to hear your viewpoints, questions and concerns. suzyk
I feel the greatest way to overcome your fear of speaking is advance preparation and having a mastery of your subject. You can’t wing it or just down a few notes. You need to prepare the presentation and practice it — more than once. If you can, hire a professional trainer to help coach you and provide tips for improvement. You’ve got to have a certain level of comfort before you speak. Otherwise, don’t do it.
Hi Jeanette – Great points. Practice and knowing your subject are both important … as they build confidence and “practice makes perfect.” But for me, it wasn’t enough. I could practice my presentation over and over till I had it down pat, but put me in front of a live audience and all bets were off. I was scared to death and it showed. I first had to learn the secret to overcoming fear of public speaking — and only after that, did my presentations improve. (My book shares how.)
I do like your suggestion to get feedback from a coach — someone who will be truthful, as a friend or colleague may not want to say anything negative. And without honest feedback, it’s difficult to improve. Another option is to record yourself so you can see how you look and sound on camera. With a tripod and smartphone with built-in video, it’s pretty easy to do.
If you do happen to get my Ebook, I’d love to hear more of your thoughts. Thanks so much for commenting! suzyk