Imagine the countless opportunities missed due to fear and low self-esteem. Now envision the possibilities that could have been seized if these obstacles were not in the way. In this guide, I will provide you with practical steps to conquer your fear of public speaking and enhance your self-esteem. By following these strategies, you will gain the confidence to express yourself freely in meetings, functions, or even during a TED Talk.
Step 1 – Accept your Shortcomings
The more honest you are with yourself, the higher the chances of becoming aware of your shortcomings. This honesty will help you recognize your weaknesses and areas where you fall behind. Suppose you are not good at speaking, and you want to overcome it; the first thing you should be doing is acknowledging that you are lagging behind in it. Without acknowledging your shortcomings, there won't be any scope for improvement. Developing self-awareness is very important for progress.
Step-2 – Greeting Anxiety
Research on mindful attention tells us that when we begin to feel anxiety symptoms, we can simply greet our anxiety and say, "hey, this is me feeling nervous.” And simply by greeting your anxiety and acknowledging it that it is normal and natural you can stem the tide of that anxiety spiralling out of your control. So, the next time you feel those anxiety signs take a deep breath and you know what to say next.
Step 3 – See it as a Conversation
Consider yourself having a “conversation” with a crowd rather than a “performance”. To engage the audience quickly, start with questions that are dialogical in nature and encourage their involvement. By posing relatable questions, you create a sense of connection and encourage the audience to participate. It's important to remember that when presenting your ideas, thoughts, or opinions, it is not a performance. Shifting your perspective in this way will undoubtedly enhance your public speaking skills.
Step 4 – Begin with Smaller Exposure
Begin by speaking in front of a smaller crowd, your friends circle preferably, so that you don’t get intimidated at first. Once you establish a strong foundation, walk out to local clubs or meetups where people gather to share their opinions. This is an excellent way to connect with others and practice public speaking, which will ultimately boost your confidence and morale.
Step 5 – Take Feedbacks
Whether it's from your friends, teachers, or random individuals, seek feedback and start making improvements. Ask for honest opinions and carefully consider areas that require immediate attention. Inquire about what they liked and didn't like, take note of their feedback, and address it in your future public speaking engagements. This practice will contribute to your growth as a public speaker.
Step 6 – Focus on the Process
When we speak, we tend to focus on the future consequences, which can make us feel anxious and nervous. However, if we can shift our attention to the present , we can alleviate some of that worry. By being in the present, we can fully engage with the conversation and not be preoccupied with the future outcomes. It's important to trust the process of communication and understand that the results are a byproduct of the process. By being in the present, we can fully embrace the process and ultimately achieve the desired outcome.
Step 7 – Build Self Esteem
In addition to working on your public speaking skills, it is important to focus on boosting your overall self-esteem. This can be achieved through a variety of self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature. Celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, can also help increase your self-confidence and self-worth. Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who encourage you and inspire you to be your best self can also have a huge impact on your self-esteem and your ability to succeed in public speaking.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can overcome your fear of public speaking and self- esteem. Remember, progress takes time and its important to trust the process while you learn and evolve as a better speaker every day. Accept the shortcomings and believe in your worth and watch how it turns out.
Comments
Post a Comment