How to stop being anxious speaking in public [Greatest Hits]

Summary

In this episode of the 'Speak as a Leader' podcast, host Nen, a leadership Communications coach, is interviewed by Katie Stardard, an award-winning International Leadership and performance coach. They delve into overcoming public speaking fears, particularly the anxiety of not sounding like oneself on stage or camera. Nen shares strategies for enhancing stage presence, incorporating humor, and managing anxiety. The conversation also touches on the differences between speaking in person and on camera, offering tips for each. Nen emphasizes the importance of understanding one's 'why' for speaking and practicing to improve. The episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their public speaking skills.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The podcast 'Speak as a Leader' focuses on helping individuals to speak confidently in various settings, including on stage, on camera, and in person.
• 🚀 The host, Nen, is a leadership communications coach with experience from the Fortune 500 world, aiming to share insights from leaders across different sectors.
• 🔍 In this special episode, Nen is the interviewee, discussing his own experiences and strategies for effective public speaking.
• 🤔 The primary challenge for speakers is feeling inauthentic or disconnected from their usual selves when speaking publicly.
• 💡 Nen suggests identifying personal strengths and areas for improvement to overcome the fear of not sounding like oneself on stage or on camera.
• 🌟 To enhance public speaking, Nen advises on amplifying one's natural personality traits to create a relatable and impactful stage presence.
• 📝 Keeping a 'story journal' can help in crafting humorous and relatable anecdotes to engage the audience, which is a key aspect of public speaking.
• 📈 Nen emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own style of humor to effectively incorporate it into speeches.
• 👀 The difference between speaking on stage and on camera is highlighted, with tips on how to adapt to the lack of direct audience feedback in virtual settings.
• 🧘‍♀️ Managing anxiety before a speaking event is crucial, and Nen recommends a three-step process: preparing a pre-event routine, maintaining composure during the event, and reflecting afterward.
• 💪 Nen's final advice is to understand one's 'why' for wanting to speak publicly, as this motivation can drive improvement and help overcome initial challenges.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 'Speak as a Leader' podcast?

The 'Speak as a Leader' podcast focuses on teaching individuals how to speak fearlessly on stage, on camera, or in person. It features interviews with leaders from various backgrounds to understand how they mastered the art and science of public speaking.

What is the primary concern that people have when it comes to public speaking according to the podcast?

The primary concern people have with public speaking is not sounding or feeling like themselves when on stage or on camera. They struggle with the disconnect between their offline expertise and their on-stage presence.

How does Nen, the host, help speakers overcome the feeling of not being themselves on stage?

Nen helps speakers by identifying their strengths, opportunities for improvement, and fears. She works on two levels: basic public speaking skills like body language and voice modulation, and a deeper personal level to address what holds them back, such as imposter syndrome or difficulty feeling their words.

What is the significance of the three stages of processing a talk as mentioned in the podcast?

The three stages of processing a talk are essential for refining a speaker's message and delivery. They involve understanding what holds a speaker back, crafting and curating an on-stage persona, and refining that persona to make an impact and connect with the audience.

How can adding humor to a speech help a speaker connect with their audience?

Adding humor to a speech can make the audience feel more at ease and engaged. It lightens the mood, allows for a more relaxed connection, and can make the speaker more relatable. The podcast suggests using subtle humor that elicits chuckles rather than forcing big laughs.

What strategies does Nen suggest for speakers to feel more comfortable speaking on camera?

Nen suggests several strategies for comfort on camera, including using googly eyes or Post-it notes to simulate eye contact, imagining having a conversation with a friend, or even using stuffed animals to create a more personal setting. The key is to simulate a one-on-one conversation with the camera.

How does Nen differentiate between the challenges of speaking on stage versus on camera?

Nen points out that on stage, the challenge is often connecting with a live audience and managing the energy of a crowd, while on camera, the challenge is creating the illusion of a personal connection when there's no live audience to engage with.

What is Nen's advice for managing anxiety before a speaking engagement?

Nen advises creating a 'pregame' routine to get in the zone, focusing on breathing and remembering that the audience is on the speaker's side during the event, and reflecting on the experience and capturing thoughts and inspirations after the event to inform future performances.

Why is it important to understand one's 'why' for speaking, as discussed in the podcast?

Understanding one's 'why' for speaking provides the motivation to start and persist, even when facing challenges. It helps in creating a natural drive to improve and can guide speakers through the process of self-improvement and overcoming fears.

How can creating video content help someone improve their public speaking skills?

Creating video content allows individuals to practice and observe their speaking skills in a low-risk environment. It helps in identifying areas for improvement such as body language, eye contact, posture, and articulation, and provides a platform for experimenting with different speaking styles and techniques.