Fun fact; I used to be TERRIFIED of public speaking. In presentations in business school, my teammates kindly hid me under the desk. What changed? When I met Nick, I was astounded by how comfortable he was in his skin. He’d waltz into a room and disarm and chat with anyone without thinking twice. I was like BUT HOW!? He said that he just believed in what he was saying, was prepared and most importantly the people he was speaking with had more in common with him than not. “We are all just people”…huh?! I started slowly speaking up at my corporate jobs, red-faced and choked up, but practicing and BELIEVING I had something to say, changed my perspective.
Also, don’t miss my related on overcoming IMPOSTER SYNDROME!
The advantages of being a great public speaker
Oftentimes I noticed that people getting ahead at work or at my dance co weren’t the best or most talented, they were simply the loudest talkers and movers. I have a few DMs and comments about how confident I seem and want you to know I was not “born this way” Now with years of having to speak publicly for my business, here are my takeaways if you want to be better at speaking up here are my tips for public speaking!
Recently I was on NBC Chicago, The Jam Show, and hosted NYFW with Fashion News Live Network. All of these required public speaking, as well as my job daily teaching at MaZi Dance Fitness. I still get nervous but the practice and keeping these tips in mind really help!
Tried & True Tips for Public Speaking
1) BELIEVE people are rooting for you, most of them are!
2) BELIEVE in what you’re saying. If you’re reading a script or saying something that doesn’t sound like you, it’s gonna feel awful. Make it your own.
3) Slow down, and speak up. Nothing worse to rattle your nerves than someone telling you “speak up”!
4) Practice and know the key points but don’t memorize. When you’re nervous, the adrenaline blocks your memory and you won’t remember much. That’s why you have to practice.
5) Stand up straight and breathe. Your confident body language will tell your brain “she’s got this, look at her stance” and that will calm you down.
Places to practice these public speaking
Since practice makes perfect, these are some spots you can test your skills:
- The grocery store line or anytime you’re waiting in line. Speak up, start chatting!
- On social media platforms, talk into your stories or try a TikTok Video.
- Facilitate a book club, volunteer to read at mass or book clubs.
- Give impromptu toasts at small gatherings with family and close friends.
- Teach a small group of people something you’re really knowledgeable about. You won’t need to prepare and the info will flow from your mouth.
See recap below, and pin so you have the list handy!
Good luck!! LMK how it goes!