I’ve worked in public relations for nearly two decades and had numerous experiences talking in front of a crowd. From new business pitches to client meetings and trainings, I’ve had my fair share of exposure to public speaking. I was also introduced to the stage at a young age as a competitive Irish Dancer. Fortunately, dancing didn’t require me to open my mouth, but it did teach me how to overcome nerves and embrace performing in front of very large crowds.
Voted most popular in high school, I’d say I’m far from an introvert. So on paper, I might seem to be someone who welcomes public speaking and performing. However, I still experience the sweaty palms and chest-pulsating panic that affects millions and millions of people when faced with speaking in public. As I advanced in my career, I found myself getting extremely nervous when I had to present to large groups. For me, the more people in the room, the higher my anxiety level.
In the communications field, where you are often writing speeches and getting clients prepared to address crowds, it’s important that you hone your own speech skills.
I no longer wanted to dread public speaking experiences. I wanted to embrace rather than fear presentations. How could I overcome this challenge that adversely affects more than half of the population? To begin, I watched endless hours of TED talks and attended a training seminar with a well-known coach who prepares experts for high-profile opportunities. Despite my attempt to study public speaking, I quickly learned it isn’t a spectator sport. The only way to improve and embrace this highly feared activity was to force myself into situations where I had to deliver impromptu as well as prepared speeches over and over and over again.
This is the same approach taken by Susan Cain, the self-proclaimed introvert and author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. Cain forced herself to go onto the public stage at TED and spoke before an audience of 1,500 people. Like me, Cain’s anxiety is heightened with large audiences.
Cain’s advice: “Practice until you’re numb.” My husband, a former All-American collegiate wrestler and former wrestling coach for Rutgers University, also reinforced this notion. He believes repetitive drills are one of the most impactful training techniques. Heeding my husband’s advice and the words of wisdom from Cain, I decided to join a local Toastmasters group this past December and tackle my insecurities each week. The first time I walked into the meeting, which is hosted in a theater at a local school equipped with a podium, stage and hundreds of chairs, I was nervous yet excited. I committed to doing the work and planned to practice until I was numb.
Now six months in, I am a member of the Milesquare Toastmasters board and actually look forward to public speaking each week. I’ve forced myself to participate in impromptu speaking – known as Table Topics in Toastmasters meetings – and honed my ability to speak on any topic for at least two minutes.
For me, repetition helps to build muscle memory and I find the impromptu practice greatly benefits my prepared speeches. I’m far from being an expert, but I’m getting better week by week.
Practicing until I’m numb seems to be working for me. How do you deal with anxiety related to public speaking? What tools are most hopeful for you?