Speak through your eyes
You know that feeling when you start a new job, and you feel the pull of expectation at its height? You want to be taken seriously right away so you'll get the respect of your peers. You want to wow and amaze them, coming across as the brightest crayon in the box. However, you’re not quite relaxed, totally being yourself just yet. You think, “Love me: I’m amazing,” looming in the background of your nervousness.
As a new college adjunct professor, I wanted to “be” the role I’d just taken on. I wanted to convey the impression that I had been teaching for years, a true guru in my field. However, the harsh reality was quite different.
Nervousness loomed large as I prepared to face my first class. Despite my expertise in the subject matter, the idea of standing in front of a room filled with eager students made my heart race. I couldn't help but worry about how my teaching would be received and whether I could connect with my students.
Insecurity was a constant companion during that time. I often questioned if I was adequately prepared.
Despite these initial anxieties, with experience came growth. With each new course, my confidence and teaching skills improved. As I gained confidence, I shifted my focus from obsessing over the 'how' to simply 'doing.'
Looking back on that experience, I remember more how I felt (scared, embarrassed, anxious), but not so much as what the students were experiencing. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you how they felt. Why? Because I focused on me, on my performance – and not them.
What might have made the difference?
The eyes!
Here's what you'll find here:
Speaking From Awareness – A Necessity for Public Speaking
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01. Speaking From Awareness – A Necessity for Public Speaking
When we stand before an audience, we have a choice. We can speak from our mind, heart, compassion, and an often-overlooked option, from awareness.
Speaking from the Mind
Speaking from the mind is about delivering a message with precision and logic. It involves carefully crafting your words based on facts, statistics, and clear instructions. This method is essential to ensure accuracy, but it can sometimes be dry and lack emotional depth.
Speaking from the Heart
Speaking from the heart is where passion and authenticity shine. It's the path to connecting with your audience on an emotional level. This approach works well for personal stories, motivational speeches, and inspirational messages, but it's crucial to strike a balance, as excessive emotion can cloud your message or appear insincere.
Speaking from Compassion
Speaking with compassion involves connecting with your audience on a human level and addressing their needs and concerns. It creates an empathetic and safe environment, making your audience feel heard and understood.
Speaking from Awareness
Now, let's address the often-overlooked skill of speaking from awareness. This approach involves actively observing and comprehending your immediate environment and the people you are addressing. It's about being in the moment, engaged and responsive.
Speaking with awareness involves closely monitoring your audience's expressions and reactions. This helps you adapt your message in real time, ensuring it resonates with your listeners. It's not about relying on a script; it's about being flexible and responsive to the moment.
In simple terms, USE YOUR EYES to see and understand what's happening around you.
Get out of your head. Look at your audience, observe their expressions, and notice their responses. Are they showing signs of fatigue, disinterest, or genuine engagement? Adapt your message as you go.