Public speaking is one of the most powerful yet feared skills that comes up time and time again in conversation, which is interesting because it makes you wonder, how can someone flow through a million conversations so smoothly and then freeze the second they need to deliver a presentation?
It is obvious that there are a few adjustments that need to be made between having a conversation and actually going up in front of a crowd, but the main shift is how the speaker actually interprets the difference between a conversation and delivering a presentation. Whether it is a case, pitching an idea, explaining a concept or hosting a meeting, public speaking is at the root of success to actually communicate what is necessary. This skill is crucial for everyday life, and should be something practiced as much as possible, especially as a student in the Telfer School of Management. This skill is not just about what you present, but how you deliver it and understanding the reasons behind the intimidating feelings is the first step to mastering it.
The Barrier Between you and your Voice
Think back to all the times you’ve had to give a presentation and that instant feeling you have before you walk up and start to speak. Most of the time the feeling we all get is anxious, stressed, forgetful or even may want to just walk out. This fear is called Glossophobia, and actually will hold someone back from a successful experience because they feel paralyzed from delivering what they would like to say, but why? When a human believes they are in a situation of threat, the body will prepare itself by targeting the nervous system to send a signal to the brain, which triggers anxiety. This will lead to the thoughts that prevent someone from actually going up and publicly speaking. In these scenarios, public speaking is seen as a threat because there is the idea that you mess up, do not know what to say, and the thought that a person may feel judged or embarrassed. In reality, all these thoughts are actually a hindrance as they weaken your confidence as you are delivering the presentation. You may know your presentation and have a perfect delivery prepared, but the second you let your thoughts spiral, it acts as a barrier. Additionally, it may be nerve-racking if there is a lack of experience in public speaking, if you are delivering a new idea, if there is a power imbalance between you and those you are presenting to or even if it is a new audience; all these situations play a role in why someone may feel the way they feel before a presentation. But how is this something that can be mastered?
Where does Confidence Start
The first thing that must be done is practice; every skill that needs developing must be practiced. There are many ways to practice this skill, whether it is in class and answering a question that the teacher asks, practicing speeches with people you know, such as your friends, participating in case competitions, reading to yourself, or even standing in front of a mirror and delivering. With any type of practice comes preparation. It is important to actually know the subject you are talking about, the details behind it and any gaps of knowledge that may arise. As you are practicing, you can ask yourself questions about whether the information makes sense, how that knowledge expands into other topics and fully immerse yourself in the details. By the time you go to deliver the presentation, with or without a script, because you understand the topic, it allows for a smoother delivery. Preparation can also be done through understanding who you are speaking to and preparing yourself to cater to the audience. Another method that could be done, which is very low stakes, is having a conversation with someone around you that you’ve never met before. It could be asking them a question or complimenting them; regardless, these are all methods that help someone strengthen their public speaking skills in a professional or non-professional setting.
Many tend to view public speaking as a performance with a memorized word-for-word script, but in reality, it should be that you are building a connection with the audience. The speech that you are giving should be treated like an everyday conversation; it should be natural, and your tone will adjust itself accordingly. Going in with this mindset actually lets you put your guard down a little as you are trying to connect with the crowd and talk to them as they are on a similar level to you in a conversation style. Not only this, but it also makes your presentation more enjoyable for the crowd. If the person who is speaking is talking naturally, it makes the presentation more personable and actually increases engagement from the audience.
The Power of Public Speaking
Not only is public speaking useful for everyone in their day-to-day, but it acts as a bridge between a concept and a real-life mission. For business students, ideas are great, but if they are never expressed, that is all they are, ideas. Public speaking allows for a basis to be formed for any idea, project or meeting and the doorway for communication to be wide open to strengthen any concept. Without public speaking, there is no potential for growth. Breaking the barrier and allowing yourself to have that flow of conversation or present in front of an audience is crucial to be able to convince someone, whether you are selling yourself to work on their project or selling them a product. Without a face and a voice, nothing is pushing the client to rely on what you have to say.
Skill Meets Opportunity
Once the skill is developed, it can be used for every opportunity presented without any doubts or second-guessing. Being able to publicly speak keeps you well prepared and prevents you from missing any chances that are given because of fear.
Thinking back to my personal experiences as a business student in the Telfer school of Management, as much as I was nervous to participate in class, present group projects, deliver oral presentations, network, participate in case competitions to even presenting on stages, I look back at every moment and am thankful for every one of those opportunities as they are the ones that have built me up to lose that fear and really overcome what public speaking truly is.
You must be convincing, you must be confident, and it comes down to you being the voice that people hear. Over time, the skill builds confidence, and experience builds credibility.