Does public speaking make you shake in your boots?
I have a limitation that has bothered me since I was small. Public Speaking!
I have been determined to get rid of this affliction and have come to the conclusion that practice and experience is probably what will help me the most. So to cure myself I have been out there making the most of every opportunity I can get regardless of how awful it feels at the time. Here are my thoughts on the matter…
If you could eliminate one self inflicted limitation, what would it be?
8:18 am
Serena,
I loved this video! Succinct and to the point.
I must say, your confidence in video has grown enormously over the past year or so. I can really tell the difference, so I guess your affirmations must be working!
I’ve never really had a problem with public speaking (performing background and all), but I still suffer from the regret of not saying what I actually wanted to say. In general though, I find that techniques from performance help me to concentrate, slow down and modulate my voice more to be understood.
Having said of all of that, I would say one of my self-inflicted limitations is meeting new people one on one, like at a networking event. I’m really bad at making the first move and just going up to someone. But I’m going to WordCamp this weekend so I’m going to try to push beyond my boundaries!
Have a great weekend!
Tess
12:43 pm
Hey Tess,
Yes I know exactly what you mean, I find networking events exhausting for that reason.
I have seen people who are just awesome at small talk and I always feel a little bit envious, I find whiskey really helps but it’s not a great long term solution!
Good luck at WordCamp!
Serena
1:20 pm
Great video Serena! Lately I’ve been realising I need to get a lot more ‘out there’ and publically represent my website to the masses. I did a public talk a few days ago and I decided to visualize myself feeling right at home, and also, at the urging of a friend, I decided to step more fully into my ‘leo-ness’ and be more gregarious and passionate as a speaker. This REALLY worked for me, it got me all fired up and now I want to do more, more! I love hearing passion and heart in people’s speeches, it’s often more powerful than what they’re actually saying, so I’m intending to combine the two in the future. I have so much to say!
Rock on Serena, it’s true, experience, repetition and going easy on yourself are great ways forward.
10:25 pm
Great point on the the passion and the heart, that’s why it is so nice to be able to talk about what you love I guess! I hope I can get that fired up ness that you have found, thanks for sharing!
6:32 pm
I just watched this and it also ties in with a couple of posts I saw on FB re NLP and an Australasian author. Hows that for synchronicity?
http://www.youtube.com/THELIFEPUZZLE
Have a great week.
10:28 pm
Thanks Gabes, I checked out their website and contacted them. They look perfect for what I am looking for, thanks so much!!
1:12 pm
Good stuff Serena!. Toastmasters is awesome, I’ve been doing it for over three years now. Its helped in not only improving my ability and confidence in speaking in front of others, but also in one on one conversations too!. Table topics is a great session which really improves your ability to think on your feet and answer tough questions from others. Looking forward to hearing how you go!
4:09 pm
Hey Brad,
Yes I think it will definately help. Although I found myself “too busy” to go for my first two speeches haha baby steps!
3:44 pm
Hey Serena,
I have a HUGE fear of public speaking also. I went to Bondi toastmasters myself for a couple of weeks before my wedding. Even though I wrote that speech down and got to read it out, it was pretty terrifying. I suddenly had a newfound respect for great public speakers (fair play to them, not sure it will ever be me!).
Keep em coming.
Joe
7:14 pm
Yes I have a massive respect for people who can just get up there and deliver!! One day that will be me, wish me luck!!
7:09 pm
I know what I’m afraid of: asking people to give me money as a business person! Yes indeed. Terrified. Just scared they’ll ignore me, or all say no.
HOWEVER I am on it! I’m re-writing the programme. People LOVE to pay me money, every day, from everywhere, for my unique, world-changing services. But all the same … any tips much appreciated
7:19 pm
Oh Charlotte! I just had the best visual there about rewriting the programme! If you don’t mind I am totally going to steal that!
Regarding asking for money, there seem to be two kinds of people, those who are comfortable and those who are not! I am the latter as well. What I find helps is to acknowledge the resistance to asking when it is there, rather than trying to ignore it. Also be completely focused on what value they are going to get from giving you money.
That way, everybody wins!
8:04 am
Hi Serena, I read your book a few months ago.
My Father had a similiar problem so he joined a Speakers Club. It helped him immensely and he has now won numerous speaking awards.
I’m sorry to say that my Mother in Law has never had such a problem.