You have been putting out great work over the last few months and now people are taking notice. More unique hits on your website, sales are up and engagement on social media has ticked up too. Then, one day you receive an email or DM inviting you to speak on an industry panel. Big freakin deal, right? Of course it is! This is what you have been waiting for. A chance to get your business more exposure. But, wait? You really do not see yourself in the role of “speaker.” Plus, you are kinda shy and would just prefer to let your work to speak for itself. Yes, the thought of public speaking sends shrivers up the spines of many people. However, this common act should not be viewed in such a negative light; if you want to seriously grow your personal brand and company profile. This is a classic opportunity to learn by doing. If you never step up to the plate, you will always carry around this fear and miss out on golden opportunities for you and your business. So, let’s imagine you push through the anxiety by preparing for this speaking engagement in a why that allows you to remove all related stressors that you can control.
Here are a few things you can do immediately after receiving your invitation to calm your nerves:
- Reach out to event organizer and thank them for the invitation to speak at their event
- Gather as much information about the event from the event organizer. For an example, How long is the event? Duration of Your Panel? Will there be time for Q&A? Other speakers on the panel?
- Research the organization hosting the the event.
Now, you should be feeling a little better and ready to move in to preparing for your presentation. Here are a few tips to get you on your way to being a confident speaker:
8 Strategies to Help You Handle the Stress of Public Speaking:
1. Make connections with the other panelists prior to the panel discussion. Check out their LinkedIn pages, social media handles and send them a note. This will allow the ice to the broken and develop a slight bond before appearing with them on the panel. You can utilize this information to make early connections.
2. Research industry tends and read interviews by thought leaders in your field. This will help you develop relevant talking point for your discussion and appeal to audience. * remember that the audience is there to learn and network. The more you share about the industry, latest trends and forecasting – the more value you will provide and peek their interests in you.
3.Surround your environment with self-affirming messages. Post up positives quotes, etc. Place fond items near that trigger good memories and feelings.
4. Clear your mind of all the bad things that could happen, by thinking of solutions of how to migrate these potential errors.
5. Write a list of all the good things that could happen from speaking.
6.Host a viral practice session with some friends and family. Run through your entire presentation and ask your audiences to be ready of Q&A.
7. An hour before the panel discussion begins – relax and grab your favorite drink.
8.Check audio levels to make sure your mic is functioning at its optimal level. up your voice and to account for any delays in the feed.
9. Practice calming and relaxing deep breathing, yoga, meditation and incorporate a long walk
10. Try to limit fatty food, caffeine, sugar, and alcohol as much as possible – in other words – look to develop healthy lifestyle habits that will not interfere with you getting a good night sleep.
Go forth and make your mama proud. You can do this! Remember that these feelings of nerves are natural and to practice self-compassion. We can not control the judgement of other’s, but can control our own thoughts. Use the above strategies to empower your next public speaking engagement with more comfort and ease. This will enable you to show up in your purest authentic self.
Technically Speaking:
Here are a few suggestions to help keep your network connection strong during your presentation:
- Close all windows except for the one you are using access your talk.
*Don’t Forget To Network*
Send a thank note to the organizers of the event and request a recording of event. This will enable you to view your presentation and critique if you desire. In addition, you can add this to your “press” section.
Share this with friends. Birds of a feather flock together. So, share, share , share!