5 Ways Public Speaking Sets You Free
Getting out of your comfort zone and doing what scares you is going to suck sometimes. There, I said it.
That includes public speaking. Even though programs like Fearless Public Speaking + LIVE are designed to make the process as fun and painless as possible, a bit of panic and self-consciousness is bound to happen before you make that breakthrough that puts you on the path to skillful self-assurance.
But just past that sweaty, anxious moment is a feeling of freedom like no other. Freedom from self-censorship and self-judgment. Freedom to be seen and appreciated exactly as you are. Freedom to stand up for yourself and to get credit for your ideas. Freedom from the need to plan and control every little thing before you speak up. Freedom from all those tedious tasks that might get you the same benefits as a few minutes in the spotlight.
Take it from me, an introvert and former shy kid who spent years missing out because I was afraid of being judged. I would watch other people advancing professionally and having fun, and think “They’re so lucky. I wish I could do that.”
Finally, FINALLY I realized that, hey - I make my own luck. And if I want to do that thing that looks like fun…I can just do it.
So I threw myself into every speaking opportunity that came with my job. I did Toastmasters (not my thing, but I learned from it). On a whim, I signed up for an improv class and took the risk of performing without a safety net. Then I started to notice that what I was doing made a difference. I was making things happen. People connected with what I had to say. And even when something didn’t go great…it was okay. Everything worked out fine.
What’s truly amazing is how, when you put yourself out there and give people an opportunity to judge you…you end up being accepted and celebrated more than ever. And that self-critical voice inside quiets to a whisper. You’re no longer held back by fear or self-doubt. You’re free.
Here are just a few of the ways that shows up in your life:
1) No more stomachaches the morning of your big presentation.
“Ugh, I’m not feeling well. Maybe I should call in sick.” Anxiety can show up as physical symptoms, as your brain tries to avoid the scary experience at all costs.
As you get more speaking practice and learn practical skills that make your public speaking noticeably better, that anxiety fades and so do the physical reactions that make it seem so overwhelming. A coach or trainer can also help you work through the negative self-talk and limiting beliefs that heighten your nerves.
Eventually, that big presentation becomes just another part of your day, rather than a Sword of Damocles hanging over your head.
2) You can speak authentically because you’re not afraid of being judged.
Beginner speakers tend to do a LOT of preparation and seem more “rehearsed” because they’re worried about catastrophe. Their content and delivery might be a bit stiff, because they want to make sure they come off as “professional.” There’s nothing wrong with this - it’s part of the process. But you don’t want to live your whole life this way.
More experienced speakers also recognize the value of preparation, but it doesn’t consume them. They’ve developed shortcuts that make preparation easier and habits that make speaking feel more natural. They’ve figured out how to be professional but also personable. They’re willing to be vulnerable, because they’ve seen how enthusiastically people respond to it. They don’t sweat minor slip-ups and they’re comfortable winging it from time to time, because they know how to think on their feet.
For some of us, that experience is hard-won. But luckily, it’s possible to learn the secrets from somebody who’s been there and will help you bypass much of the hard stuff.
3) You can get off the social-media hamster wheel.
Everyone is marketing online now. Everybody is fighting for attention and eyeballs and those elusive “likes.” But far fewer people are showcasing their personalities and expertise by getting in front of the camera.
It’s no secret that video performs well on social media. Video gets attention. Video lets people see who you areas you’re no longer a random faceless stranger but rather a human that they can get to know, like and trust.
When you learn how to use video effectively, it opens up a whole new realm of opportunity. It might take you an hour to psych yourself up to hit the “record” or “go live” button, but once you do, you free yourself from anonymity and the endless scramble to get a little bit of attention online.
4) You can network without small talk.
Introverts rejoice! Cocktail parties can be exhausting, but saying a few words at the front of the room is like shaking hands with everybody all at once. Everybody knows who you are, and those who want to know more will seek you out. They’ll check out your website. They’ll approach you with a meaningful question. They’ll introduce you to their friend who you just HAVE to meet.
All you need to do is polish your pitch and give the audience something (an idea, a feeling, a piece of knowledge) that brings value to their lives.
Freedom from the ‘I’m just gonna awkwardly insert myself into this conversation, random circle of strangers” dance might be the most delicious kind of freedom of all. But there’s one more…
5) You can get on with your day.
Every presentation ends with an adrenaline rush and the worry “Was that good?” Did it go okay?
But every post-presentation rush is not created equal. You could feel overwhelmed, obsessive and unable to focus on anything else for hours afterwards, or pleasantly buzzing and ready to engage fully with the people around you. The difference comes down to training and practice. The more skilled and experienced you become, the less time it will take you to recover and the more control you’ll have over your post-presentation thought process.
In short, speech training frees you from yourself.
Have you felt more free since you started learning public speaking skills (or facing any other fear)? Let us know!
PS: If you’re ready to get free but don’t know where to start, check out the Fearless Public Speaking program or https://stagelight.ca/appointment to explore how Stage Light Communications can help.