Public speaking is one of those skills that can make or break a career, especially for businesswomen who often find themselves in front of crowds, whether for a presentation, networking event, or keynote speech. It’s no secret that the thought of speaking in front of others can be nerve-wracking, and as someone who has had a lifelong fear of public speaking, I can relate to the discomfort and anxiety that comes with it.
For decades, public speaking terrified me. It was something I had to push through and conquer each time I was given the opportunity. What didn’t help was the fact that those speaking opportunities were often few and far between, which meant I’d lose any momentum I had gained. Each time, it felt like starting from scratch, constantly battling that knot in my stomach. But over time, something changed for me—teaching.
Now, I stand in front of students every day at the middle school where I teach, and the challenges of those first days of panic and uncertainty have transformed into valuable lessons on overcoming fear, gaining confidence, and using the power of repetition.
How Teaching Transformed My Speaking Skills:
-
Preparation Equals Confidence:
When I first started teaching, I would find myself riddled with worries about what my students would think of me. Would they understand what I was saying? Would I talk too fast? Would they respect me? It was overwhelming. However, as I consistently prepared my lessons and practiced in front of the mirror, I started to feel more confident. The more I prepared, the more assured I became that I could articulate my thoughts in a way that would resonate with my students.
-
Repetition is Key:
Public speaking is a muscle—one that needs to be exercised regularly to strengthen it. When I first started teaching, I’d experience panic attacks leading up to my first classes. But as I started speaking more frequently, I found that it became easier. Repetition helped me shed the fear, and as I became more comfortable with the routine, I gained the confidence to speak more fluidly. The same applies to businesswomen—taking on small speaking opportunities, even if they’re just in front of a small group, helps you gradually build confidence for larger events.
-
Embrace the Nerves:
It’s easy to let nerves get the best of us, but I’ve learned that nerves are a natural part of the process. Instead of letting them cripple me, I’ve started embracing the butterflies in my stomach. This discomfort is often a sign that you care about doing well. It pushes you to be your best, and once you acknowledge that feeling, you can channel it into energy that propels you forward. Overcoming those nerves is the first step to mastery.
-
Focus on the Message, Not the Audience:
When you’re speaking in front of others, it’s easy to get distracted by what they might think of you. However, I’ve learned that the audience can feel that energy if I focus more on the message I want to convey rather than on my fears. When I connect with my students by focusing on helping them understand instead of obsessing over whether I’ll make a mistake, I find that they respond better, and my confidence builds. The same principle applies when speaking in business. Focus on delivering value and sharing your story, and the audience will appreciate that.
Photography by SeventyFour. -
Reflect and Learn from Each Opportunity:
Every speaking opportunity is a chance to improve. After each class or presentation, I take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. This helps me grow and refine my speaking abilities, allowing me to evolve as a speaker continuously. As businesswomen, it’s important to do the same after every speaking event. Whether it’s a live audience or virtual, learning from each experience ensures you keep growing and getting better.
Speaking Tips for Businesswomen:
- Prepare Your Message Ahead of Time: Be clear about what you want to say, and rehearse until you feel comfortable.
- Start Small: Take advantage of smaller speaking opportunities to build confidence.
- Learn to Manage Nerves: Use deep breathing or visualization to calm yourself before stepping in front of an audience.
- Engage with Your Audience: Be present and interact with your listeners. The connection you create will make both you and them feel at ease.
- Keep Improving: Public speaking is a skill that takes time to perfect. Keep practicing and pushing through the discomfort, and you’ll become a pro.
Teaching has been a game-changer for me when it comes to public speaking. It has given me the tools and experience to build confidence, embrace nerves, and focus on the message instead of my fears. As businesswomen, we can all take lessons from this experience and use them to become more effective and confident public speakers. Just like in the classroom, it’s all about practice, patience, and self-compassion.
Let’s continue to speak boldly, confidently, and unapologetically in every room we enter.
Also, if you are looking for speakers for your events this year, I speak about entrepreneurship and mental health. Let’s connect.
Check out this video about improving your speaking skills and confidence.
Read more of the CEO Chatter Column.
