The world is noisy. There are almost 8 billion people on this planet, all of them with opinions, and many of them with devices in their pockets that let them share those opinions whenever they choose. Every day, worthy ideas get lost in the din.

If you want your voice to stand out, you need to know something that most of those 8 billion people don’t.

“I don’t know where to start.”

This is one of the biggest complaints I hear from people who are preparing for a presentation, keynote speech or panel discussion.

To get past writer’s block, try these steps in your next speech-writing session.

Trying to make a change but finding it hard to get started? If you’re struggling to follow through on your big plans (like finally getting noticed by doing more presentations, speeches or videos), let’s take a trip back in time to high school physics class.

Everybody is different, and everybody sees the world a little bit differently. We all have access to the same information, but we process the facts differently. This matters, because if you’re trying to convince somebody to think or do something, the arguments that would persuade you might have the opposite effect (or no effect) on somebody else. So how do you get through to someone?

Do you know how to breathe?

Your breathing can determine whether you come across as a confident, persuasive, skillful speaker, or a rambling bundle of nerves. With some simple changes to your breathing habits, you can become a better, happier speaker.

When I ask people what scares them about public speaking, virtually every answer comes down to vulnerability.

What if my mid goes blank? What if I sound stupid? What if I make a mistake and somebody calls me out? What if I accidentally offend someone?

Standing in front of others to speak your truth leaves you vulnerable to judgment, to criticism, to rotten vegetables pelted by an angry mob.

But here’s the thing.

As a speaker, you’re not just vulnerable. You’re also powerful. In fact, your vulnerability IS your power.

Weak public speaking isn't because people don't know "how" to do it. It's a vicious cycle made up of self-defeating beliefs and behaviours:

You believe you’re bad at public speaking >> you feel self-conscious >> you try to make yourself invisible by rushing, mumbling, and apologizing >> you catch yourself rushing, mumbling and apologizing >> you conclude that you’re bad at public speaking.

Luckily, there’s a way out of Public Speaking Purgatory.

Maybe you're right. Maybe public speaking isn't for you. Maybe you should avoid it completely, never share your ideas, never take the risk, and never find out what might happen if you tried. Or maybe it's time to take a closer look at the story you're telling yourself.