The best way to overcome the fear of speaking before groups of people is to reframe the emotion. By labeling your physical reaction (heart racing, hands sweating, mouth dry) as fear-based, you will struggle to rise above it. You need to reframe …
Fearful of Public Speaking? Start by Doing This! Read more »
The main issue that terrifies speakers is the fear that the audience will judge them and find them wanting. They assume their listeners arrive ready to find fault with every single word and gesture. This is far from reality. Do you buy a Broadway …
Start Trusting Your Listeners. They Want You To Succeed! Read more »
All Speaking is Public Speaking. Most people can start or join a conversation without a second thought. We engage with ease. We may be witty, serious, telling a story, or sharing information. These light, everyday conversations rarely make us feel anxious or …
Many speakers erect a public façade when delivering their message. They hide behind a persona (the Public Speaker) to protect their feelings. They tell themselves that any negative reactions are in response to this adopted person and not aimed at them …
Want Your Team to Trust Your Message? Be Yourself! Read more »
There are many tried and tested ways to calm nerves and project confidence when speaking. However, if you want three exercises to convey confidence while you practice long-term nerve-calming, these will always work: Focus on these three key areas to get you …
Many people find small talk awkward and pointless, but it plays a critical part in building connections with others. Humans are programmed to expect a warm-up period of small talk (light, everyday conversation) to build a foundation of trust for more important discussions. In many instances it …
In business, our communications are often goal-focused; we are trying to influence, persuade, motivate, inspire or negotiate. However, it can become a problem if we are so focused on what we are saying that we lessen our focus on what …
Becoming a Better Listener Will Make You a More Effective Communicator. Read more »
When we enter situations where we feel less than confident, we unconsciously display certain behaviors. These nervous habits telegraph to others that we feel awkward or uncertain. These behaviors often surface when we start meeting in person after time spent …
How to Avoid Body Language That Makes You Look Awkward. Read more »
Too often, when invited to give a speech or presentation, the speaker will start by grabbing a pen and paper. They forget that what they are preparing will be heard, not read. When preparing, the first step is to talk …
Many people will commence a response with the two words, “I mean.” Why do they fall back on these filler words? Most people fall into this habit when they feel anxious and uncomfortable. However, the most common reason is that the …