Tag Archive for: confident

Overcoming Difficulties with Speaking -“Can’t breathe, talk or think!”

 

The study of human communication (anthroposemiotics) is a fascinating and complex one; it is very diverse, as there are multiple layers pertaining to what communication is and how we use its different features as human beings.  Simply put, however, most face-to-face communication requires visually reading, listening and following along with at least one other person, offering gestures and verbal responses in reply, whilst maintaining eye contact throughout the interaction.  Much of these human functions we do quite naturally, especially if we have grown up with well communicating role models; and yet it is still so common and understandable that at times, especially in high stake situations, we have to be particularly intentional about presenting in a professional, calm and self-controlled manner.

So many amazing things are happening physiologically and neurologically as we communicate with other people;  these human attributes can either harmonise beautifully together or feel horribly disparate.  This is where we have to come at speech work in a holistic manner …

For example, in another area of life, people may experience financial difficulties which could be simply due to the loss of a job or a stream of income, but sometimes it can be more a symptom of a deeper issue ie. overspending due to lack of self esteem or an inability to budget and so clearly some fiscal discipline and management is needed. Similarly, this can be the case with regards to being able to confidently speak in front of others. The moment the spotlight is on us, if we are untrained and unskilled in this area, a myriad of unwelcome thoughts, feelings and responses can manifest which make it extremely difficult to function and do a great job.

Happily, I believe that there are some very practical ways through these difficulties …

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Fear of Public Speaking

“Training with Sarah has demystified the art of public speaking. I always thought it was something some people were just naturally good at – and I wasn’t one of them!  With Sarah’s help I realised there are some very real skills I could learn to turn me into one of those ‘naturally good speakers’.  Thank you Sarah, I feel so much more confident and now I do well with my presentations and speeches.”  HR Professional

 

It is so easy to look at the strengths of others and feel intimidated or ‘lesser than’ in a particular aspect of our lives.  However, as with any area of training and personal development, a little bit of knowledge goes a long way.

A helpful question is “How do you eat an elephant?” and the old adage responds, “One bite at a time!”

If we look at an accomplished public speaker when even the very thought of getting up and speaking in front of people makes us feel sick, it can make the whole process seem even more overwhelming.  So let’s instead break it down into bite-size pieces and identify what that person was doing well and why they appear so relaxed and confident?  Being willing to learn new things sets us on a course to conquer the fear and limitations around our own lives.

Some adrenalin and nerves are a positive as we stand up to speak, and whether entirely “fear-less” public speaking is a possibility for every person isn’t really the issue … it is more about having some very tangible strategies and competencies to practice and become familiar with so we are growing in skill – we tend to enjoy the things that we feel we do well at!  I have testimony after testimony from clients who are actually now enjoying the whole experience of presenting and speaking in front of colleagues, bosses and stakeholders. There is nothing more rewarding for me than to hear that what was so terrifying for clients is now something they are excelling in.

 

“I never thought I could do so well” … “I did soooo well!” … “I felt so confident and in control!”

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Public Speaking Training

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As we find ourselves well into another new year, it is a great time to consider “what am I finding difficult in the world of personal communication?”

Perhaps you are needing …

  • to develop skills to prepare and deliver an outstanding speech or presentation;
  • to work on projecting confidence and assertiveness in work meetings and different work-related situations;
  • help with your staff who are struggling to present themselves well;
  • to prepare for important interviews that will open new doors for you;
  • to work on your voice – sounding more engaging, warm and interesting ;
  • to become more confident that your voice can be heard and understood, that you are getting your message across …

the list goes on of scenarios where clients have overcome fear and limitations and found greater freedom in their communication abilities.

What a privilege it is to help people to achieve their goals and more fully enjoy life!

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