Get out of your head
I was excited to teach my first class at the university.
I was determined to do well and prepared – a lot.
I had many sleepless nights, worried about what could go wrong. I followed my lesson plans to a “T” so I wouldn’t forget anything.
What I can tell you is that I got myself through the semester, learning what worked and what didn't. However, I can't tell you what my students got out of the semester.
Why?
Because my focus was too much on me.
I was stuck in my head – worried about my performance and staying on course. Worry, worry, worry. The result was that my delivery was robotic and rigid. I disconnected myself from my audience. I didn’t have fun and I’m guessing the students didn’t as well. Sigh.
Learning can feel like a frustrating and defeating trial-and-error process, but it doesn't have to be that way. That's why I'm excited to share the valuable insights I wish I had known about public speaking, which can greatly simplify planning and delivering speeches!
Here's what you'll find here:
How to Get Out of Your Head and Quit Worrying
Ignite Your Team’s Speaking Power With this Training!
Need Speaking Practice? Sign Up for “The Practice Circle”
01. How to Get Out of Your Head and Quit Worrying
What’s the best thing you can do to get out of your head and connect to your audience?
Make it your mission to calm your audience and make your communication all about them!
Picture this:
You will present your latest project to a room full of stakeholders. You want them to be on board, and excited about your project. How do you make this happen?
Put Your Audience First
Tailor your message to address their needs and interests. For instance, rather than bombarding them with technical jargon, focus on how your project can solve their problems or provide valuable insights.
Humanize Your Communication
Remember, you're speaking to real people with thoughts and emotions, not robots. Share personal anecdotes, use relatable language, and inject warmth and authenticity into your delivery. For example, a CEO (name withheld), known for a down-to-earth communication style, shared a story during a company-wide meeting about his early struggles getting the company launched. The message instantly connected with employees and fostered a sense of camaraderie.
Engage - From the Start
Don't wait until the end of your presentation to involve your audience. Start engaging them from the get-go. Address them directly, ask thought-provoking questions, or encourage participation through interactive activities. For example, you could kick off your next team meeting by asking each member to share one thing they were excited about. This simple icebreaker creates a calming dynamic and encourages active participation and creativity throughout the meeting.
Speak with Calm Confidence
Confidence is contagious, and so is anxiety. As a speaker, your demeanor sets the tone for the entire room. Focus on calming your audience, which takes the pressure and focus off you (especially if you are nervous). Take deep breaths, smile, and speak moderately. When you project calmness, you help your audience feel at ease and receptive to your message.
Speaking calmly and effectively to any audience leaves a lasting impression that transcends words.