Ep1 | How to SPEAK CONFIDENTLY: The Ultimate Guide to Public Speaking with Nimi Mehta

Summary

In this engaging podcast transcript, the host, Nimai Talwar, also known as 'Nimi,' shares her journey from being a shy and timid individual to becoming a successful TV host, radio presenter, podcast host, MC, public speaker, and now a public speaking coach. She candidly discusses her struggles with imposter syndrome and the importance of aligning with brands and people that reflect her values. Nimai emphasizes the significance of preparation, the ability to read and connect with an audience, and the art of listening in addition to speaking. She also provides practical advice for aspiring speakers, such as the importance of having a script well in advance and the value of breathing techniques to center oneself before going on stage. Nimai's insights into her personal growth and professional experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills or seeking a career in media.

Takeaways

• 🎤 **Confidence Journey**: The speaker emphasizes a personal journey from shyness to confidence, highlighting the importance of self-belief and overcoming imposter syndrome.
• 🚀 **Growth Through Experience**: Initially saying yes to all opportunities for experience, the speaker later focuses on aligning with brands that match personal values and professional growth.
• 🎙️ **Adapting to the Audience**: The ability to read and adapt to the audience's energy is crucial, whether it's a corporate setting or a more casual environment.
• 📚 **Preparation and Research**: Extensive preparation and research are key to effectively hosting events, with an evolved approach from strictly following scripts to incorporating personal flair.
• 👂 **Listening and Observing**: Listening is as important as speaking in communication, and the speaker highlights the need to be an active observer to engage with the audience effectively.
• 📈 **Professional Development**: The speaker stresses the importance of professional development, including setting terms for work, such as requiring scripts in advance, to ensure quality performance.
• 🌟 **Representing Brands**: When emceeing, the speaker views themselves as a representative of the brand, which helps alleviate pressure and allows for better audience connection.
• 📊 **Key Messages Over Education**: The role of an MC is to convey key messages and maintain high energy, rather than to educate or inform the audience on a subject.
• 🤝 **Building Rapport**: Engaging with guests or panelists before going on stage helps build rapport and leads to more authentic and engaging interactions.
• 🧘 **Breathing Techniques**: Utilizing breathing techniques like the 212 method can help calm nerves and center oneself before going on stage.
• 💪 **Affirmations for Self-Worth**: Using affirmations such as 'You're exactly where you're meant to be' can help combat imposter syndrome and reinforce self-belief.

Q & A

What is the speaker's opinion on the saying 'fake it till you make it'?

The speaker does not believe in the saying 'fake it till you make it,' particularly the 'till you make it' part, as they feel it suggests an unclear end goal. Instead, they share their experience of 'faking till they became it,' which involved developing an alter ego to build confidence.

How did the speaker initially build their confidence to perform on stage?

The speaker initially built their confidence by adopting a persona or alter ego, similar to how Beyonce uses her Sasha Fierce alter ego. Over time, they realized that the confidence wasn't something they were faking but a part of themselves they had not yet tapped into.

What was the speaker's first significant professional failure?

The speaker's first significant professional failure was their first national radio show on Radio One in Abu Dhabi, where they faced technical difficulties and had no output despite speaking into the microphone.

How does the speaker prepare for a big event with a large audience?

The speaker cares deeply about the brands and people they work with, ensuring alignment with their values. They mentally prepare by focusing on representing the brand or person they are working with, rather than themselves, which helps alleviate pressure.

What is the speaker's approach to handling an unresponsive audience?

The speaker is vigilant about reading the room and people. They adjust their approach based on the audience's behavior, such as engaging those on their phones by trying different techniques to draw their attention back to the event.

How does the speaker deal with the pressure of being an emcee or host?

The speaker deals with the pressure by focusing on the message they are relaying and the energy they are creating, rather than trying to be an expert on the subject matter. They aim to keep the crowd engaged and the event moving.

What is the importance of having a script or key messages before an event, according to the speaker?

Having a script or key messages before an event is crucial for the speaker as it allows them to prepare and deliver the best performance. They expect a script at least a week before the event to respect their professional preparation time.

How does the speaker feel about the use of humor when things go wrong on stage?

The speaker believes in being transparent when things go wrong and may use humor to acknowledge the situation, making it more human and relatable. However, they advise against turning the situation into a stand-up comedy act, as it can be inappropriate and not align with their role.

What advice does the speaker give for someone starting out in public speaking or hosting?

The speaker advises starting out by saying yes to as many opportunities as possible to gain experience. As one grows and becomes more experienced, they can then become more selective, aligning with brands and values that resonate with them.

What is the name of the speaker's public speaking masterclass platform?

The speaker's public speaking masterclass platform is called 'Speaker by Nemimeta'.

How does the speaker feel about their journey from being shy to becoming a successful host and speaker?

The speaker reflects on their journey as a transformative one, where they learned to harness a part of themselves that was always there but untapped. They emphasize the importance of self-belief and aligning with one's values.

What is the speaker's perspective on the role of an MC or host during an event?

The speaker sees the role of an MC or host as being responsible for keeping the crowd engaged, maintaining the event's flow, and ensuring key messages are delivered. They stress the importance of not trying to educate the audience but rather facilitate the event's progression.