Does the thought of public speaking terrify you?
If it does, you are NOT alone.
“They” say public speaking is a fear for most people. (Who “they” are, I’m not sure but even a quick, non-scientific Instagram story poll reveals that the majority of my followers aren’t comfortable public speaking.)
To me, this is very interesting.
It’s interesting because, when you think about it, no matter what your industry is, at SOME point in your life you are going to have to public speak.
Whether it is during an interview, speech class, introducing yourself to a group of people at a gathering, speaking up during a board meeting, teaching a class, toasting the bride at her wedding…or even less formally when we have to resolve an issue at the customer service counter with the cashier at Target.
No matter who you are or what you do, you CANNOT escape the need to public speak–whether it’s in a formal setting or an informal one.
And that makes me wonder.
Why does the thought of public speaking make so many people uncomfortable?
I’m sure the answer would be different for every different person you asked.
It could be that they had a bad experience with public speaking in the past and they just haven’t been able to get past it.
It could be that they don’t believe that they are qualified enough to become a professional paid public speaker.
It could be that they talk themselves into thinking that the WORST might happen when they are on stage (forgetting what to say or completely embarrassing themselves)
Mind you this negative self-talk and self-sabotage is what keeps most people from taking forward movements in walking in their brilliance in other areas of their lives too…
It could be a whole bunch of other reasons…too many to name here.
Public speaking gives so many great benefits to your life. And if you are afraid or uncomfortable with it, you are missing out!
Outside of all the great personal branding benefits of public speaking, people who are comfortable public speaking are more confident. They are more self-aware and they even make more money.
If you are not comfortable with public speaking, I encourage you to do a gut check and find out your why.
What is it about public speaking that makes you so uncomfortable?
After you’ve figured that out, then ask yourself if you are comfortable missing out on all of the great benefits public speaking adds to your business, your brand and your life.
Are you ready to create a profitable and sustainable personal brand?
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