Ah, public speaking—the age-old anxiety inducer that can make even the most confident of us break out in a cold sweat. At one point or another everyone has had to do some public speaking before, maybe it was a classroom presentation when they were a kid, presenting their thesis in college, a board meeting, or a wedding toast, the mere thought of standing in front of a crowd can be terrifying. In general, effective communication during public speaking is so important, and it doesn’t matter how big or how small the group is that you’re talking to, but it’s just something that you have to do.
Now, there’s barely anyone that actually likes public speaking, sure comedians, TV show hosts, public figures, and those people who go around schools and conferences like them, but that’s about it. But taking those people out of account, most industries and most jobs need communication in some form or another and sometimes that even means public speaking.
So, where do you even begin? How can you even get this courage? Well, it takes some time, guidance and some techniques. So, here’s exactly what you need to know for getting over your fear!
Understanding the Fear
Let’s get to the root of this fear. Public speaking anxiety is incredibly common. It’s right up there with fears of heights, spiders, and doing your taxes. Why? Because it taps into our primal fear of judgment and rejection. Actually, most people fear public speaking more than they fear death! Yes, you read that right!
Practice Makes Perfect
Sure, it’s an age-old saying, but there is a lot of truth to it. So, just imagine learning to ride a bike. The first time, you wobbled, maybe fell and probably felt like giving up. But with practice, you got the hang of it. Public speaking is no different. The more you do it, the better you get. Start small. Practice in front of a mirror, then with a friend or family member. Sometimes it’s hard to find people, so you could consider going Live online, like YouTube or social media.
Know Your Material Inside Out
One major source of public speaking fear is the worry of forgetting what to say. The antidote? Preparation. Again, it’s about being prepared, rehearsing, and basically rehearsing. Not many people can wing it, so don’t try to.
Embrace the Butterflies
Everyone gets nervous; just remember, people are more afraid of public speaking (and the rejection that has) than actual death. So, the trick is to channel that nervous energy into excitement. It’s honestly easier said than done, but those butterflies in your stomach? They’re a sign that you care. So, just go ahead and embrace them and let them propel you to deliver an energetic and passionate speech. Remember, a bit of nervousness can actually enhance your performance by keeping you alert and focused.
Learn from Every Experience
After each speaking opportunity, take some time to reflect. What went well? What could you improve? Public speaking is a skill, and like any skill, it’s honed through continuous learning and practice. Just go ahead and celebrate your successes, learn from your mistakes, and keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
Careers That Often Require Public Speaking
So, you’re getting the hang of public speaking and might even start to enjoy it. But where can you put this newfound skill to use? There are plenty of careers that require public speaking, and mastering this art can open up a world of opportunities. Alternatively, maybe you absolutely despise public speaking, you just can’t do it, and want to avoid it; well, in that case, you can avoid these types of positions!
Teachers and Educators
Teaching is practically synonymous with public speaking. It doesn’t really matter where or how, be it in a university lecture hall, teaching preschoolers, or even tutoring online. In general, educators need to be able to be good at public speaking. It’s not even about confidence as it is more about getting your message across to your students so they can properly learn. So, what exactly would you want?
Would you want to get a Masters of Education online and become a special education teacher? Would you want to get a few certificates and become an English teacher (such as those that go to southeast Asian countries), or would you prefer to be a tutor? In general, education isn’t one size fits all, but with that all said though, it does mean that you will still need to be an excellent public speaker.
Managers and Executives
In the business world, effective communication is key. With that all said, managers and executives often have to present ideas, lead meetings, and inspire their teams. So, being able to speak confidently can set you apart as a leader and help you advance in your career.. Usually the setting isn’t all that big for public speaking, so it’s usually considered more manageable.
Politicians and Public Servants
All right, this one is way too obvious, but it still deserves a lot of attention. So, as you already know, public speaking is a cornerstone of politics. Whether campaigning, debating, or addressing constituents, politicians must communicate their ideas and policies effectively. Strong public speaking skills can build trust and support among voters.
Lawyers and Legal Professionals
If you’ve ever watched the news or even a show with a court case, then you know how fantastic lawyers are with public speaking. So, in the legal field, presenting a case clearly and persuasively can be the difference between winning and losing. Plus, lawyers need to articulate arguments, question witnesses, and make compelling statements in court. Overall, mastery of public speaking is crucial for success.
Motivational Speakers and Life Coaches
When you were in school or even in college, were there ever guests who would give motivational speeches? Maybe it was about not doing drugs, staying abstinent, going to college, or basically any topic. Well, those are usually motivational speakers, and their whole job is just public speaking.
Media Personalities and Broadcasters
So this one is a little difficult, because it’s technically only public speaking if it’s in front of a live audience (usually in front of you). But this still involves a lot of speaking, so these deserve to be on the list too. So, television and radio hosts, news anchors, and podcasters all rely on strong public speaking skills. Even Twitch streamers, and YouTubers could technically fall under this.
