The Book of Lists has identified, on a couple occasions, that the fear of speaking outranks the fear of death by as much as 2 to 1. So it should be no great surprise that a lot of people are anxious about public speaking.
In this post I share a snippet of my personal journey. About 25 years ago I was working as a Sales Representative with a large Computer Sales company. I was required to give presentations to executive teams and corporate boards 1-2 times a week. Every time I got up to speak I would get a knot in my stomach and it didn’t go away until I sat down. I was so uncomfortable with the public speaking aspect of my job that I left the company.
Despite my anxiety I was successful at my job. I made my quota in the first year, was named Rookie of the Year, and my wife and I were sent on an all expenses paid trip to Vancouver for a week. I was good at my job but I was not happy at my job.
I took a job with the local telephone company. A couple of months later my new manager invited me to attend a Toastmasters meeting. That was the beginning of my journey to manage my speaking anxiety.
Through Toastmasters I learned that there was much more to public speaking than spitting out words then sitting down. There are so many things to consider; eye contact, vocal variety, gestures & body language, facial expression and so much more.
I went through the entire Toastmasters program and attained their highest designation, DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster.
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to own my own business. I realized one of my biggest dreams, having my own business, by overcoming one of my biggest fears, speaking in public. I find it ironic that the business is as a professional speaker and I get to help others fast-track their journey. How cool is that?
Never think that you can’t do it. It’s in you to do it!
Now go out and Make Your Voice Heard!
Want to learn the 5 Tools (you already have) to become a confident, engaging and effective speaker? Click the link for FREE video training. The Speaker’s Tool Box
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Leave me a comment or suggest a topic for a future blog.
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