We all have a message. Some of us have a voice. This means that some of us must speak for those who can’t. One voice can make a difference to the lives of many. Fear chokes a voice and blocks a message. I remember being at a meeting when a person was criticised who was not present. Someone quietly said ‘It’s not fair for criticise someone who is not here to defend themselves’. The criticism stopped immediately with no comment. A soft, powerful voice and a powerful message.
Some speak with their actions, their behaviour.
If fear is choking your voice, do something about it. The fear is exaggerated anyway. Public Speaking is not life threatening. Driving a car is. The real culprit is your thinking. You think that Public Speaking is dangerous. It isn’t. Your thinking is faulty.
Rather than change your thinking, let it happen but don’t engage it. Like a stinging nettle, look at it from a distance but don’t touch it. Let the thoughts come and go, as they do many times during the day. Dwell on the useful thoughts and let the others pass by.
Hang on to …
This is going to go well
They are a good audience
They are interested in my topic
Let go of…
What if my mind goes blank
What if I fail
What if I make a fool of myself
I can help with Public Speaking Coaching and Public Speaking Training. Find your voice. Focus on useful thoughts. Stay with your message when speaking. Don’t let yourself drift into a minefield of negative thoughts. You are not important. Your message is. Your message can’t fail. If they don’t get it the first time you mention it, tell them again in a story.
Contact me if you need coaching or training in Public Speaking.
Paddy Spruce CSP
