Do you have colleagues who seem naturally good at something? They make it look so easy. For example, foreign languages, cooking, photography, graphic design, writing, giving presentations.
I get compliments on my ability to speak and engage a room. Many tend to think that comfort with public speaking is something that comes naturally, innately easily, to me. The truth is I have been working on this skill my whole life.
My earliest memory on stage is competing in the Little Miss Valley pageant. If there were 50 3rd-grade girls, I likely ranked 49, just ahead of the girl who tripped on the seam of her long gown and refused to continue.
In 4th grade, I received a smiley face for my speech on the dangers of smoking.
At bat again in 5th grade, I won a package of Reese’s Cups for winning first place. The topic was the importance of immunizations.
In 6th grade, I entered a county-wide competition with the topic of nutrition. I didn’t win a thing.
I participated in plays and chorus all through high school, from two-bit parts to leading roles.
In college, I won awards for theatre.
After college, I received a Master of Fine Arts in Acting--a three-year, terminal degree, and performed professionally for many years.
As a consulting partner, I gave presentations, too many to count, to colleagues, clients, recruits. By this time, it was in my DNA.
…insert years and years of working on: “You wave your arms too much.” …
I am now MBA faculty, an award-winning podcast host, and a keynote speaker. I now practice new skills around public speaking via video.
After working on public speaking for over 40 years, I still get nervous. I still get shallow breathing at times. I still plant a friend in the audience at times to give me feedback. And, just yesterday, I was working on keeping my arms to my side.
It’s hard to make public speaking look easy. Embrace what it takes. Contact me if you need help.
