How can you speak up and lead?

 

Ever feel like public speaking is akin to entering a lion’s den? 🦁

You're not alone. Many professionals, including CEOs like you, struggle with the fear of speaking in front of others. But guess what – confidence in public speaking is attainable, and I am here to help you discover it.

What is public speaking confidence?

It means more than just delivering a presentation without shaking knees or sweaty palms. 

It's about feeling assured that your message is impactful and that your audience is engaged. 

It's about stepping onto the stage with conviction and leaving a lasting impression.

Hmmm.. where does this anxiety root back?

Did you know that fear of public speaking, or glossophobia, affects a whopping 73% of the population? 

It's true. From CEOs to entry-level employees, many people feel anxious at the thought of speaking in public.

But why? Well, it turns out that our fear of public speaking is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. Back in ancient times, living in groups was crucial for survival. Being rejected by the group meant vulnerability to the environment.

That means people just fear judgment and rejection by the group. 

Fast forward to today, and the fear response to public speaking remains ingrained in our psyche, even though the stakes are not as high.

Shift Your Mindset.

Got Pre-Speech JITTERS?

The first step to overcoming public speaking anxiety is understanding its origins. 

Once you realize that it's a common fear shared by many, you can begin to shift your mindset. Just remember, your audience is there because they're interested in what you have to share. They're on your side!

A Page from Mahlena’s Diary 📖

When I first started my career, I wasn’t afraid of public speaking. Standing in front of a crowd never bothered me much. However, I do feel uncomfortable in small group settings, especially at unorganized, in-person networking mixers with strangers. I prefer more structure in building relationships with people. I do way better at making friends one-on-one, and online in Zoom chats. 🧑🏾‍💻

Tips for Building Confidence

Now that we've laid the groundwork, let's dive into some practical tips for building confidence in public speaking:

1. Practice Mindful Communication: Before speaking, take a moment to center yourself and gather your thoughts. Speak with clarity and purpose, allowing your message to resonate with your audience.

2. Start Small: Begin by speaking up in smaller group settings where you feel more comfortable. As you gain confidence, gradually expand your presence to larger audiences.

3. Focus on Your Message: Shift your focus from yourself to your audience. Think about what they want to hear and how your message can benefit them. Speak authentically and from the heart.

4. Overcome Self-Doubt: Challenge negative thoughts and replace self-criticism with self-compassion. Surround yourself with a supportive network who can offer guidance and encouragement.

5. Embrace Vulnerability: Don't be afraid to show your true self and share your struggles with others. Vulnerability fosters authenticity and builds trust with your audience.

Real-Life Examples

The queen rockin’ the stage

Let's take a page out of the playbook of some introverted CEOs who've nailed the public speaking game:

Pairin: Michael Simpson's quiet strength shines through in his leadership style. He's proof that introverts can lead from the front.

Brainly: Michał Borkowski's brainchild, Brainly, is a testament to introverted leadership. He's built an empire by focusing on collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Parallel Learning: Dan Marotta's innovative approach to personalized learning is changing the game. He's living proof that introverts can make a splash in the ed-tech world.

Believe me, with these straightforward tips, you'll be conquering your imposter syndrome in no time!

Confidence in public speaking is not reserved for extroverts – introverted CEOs like you can thrive on the stage too. By challenging your mindset, focusing on your audience, and embracing your authentic self, you can unlock the confidence within you.

So go forth, fellow introverted leader, and get on that stage with confidence.

Have you overcome a self-doubts?

Tell me in the comments. ⤵️

Thanks for reading. 🙂