As I am preparing for an upcoming speaking engagement and totally stressing over it, I have to wonder if it’s just me or do other introverts also struggle. I am sure there are plenty of introverts who don’t mind speaking in public, but if you’re like me, this is for you. An introvert’s guide to public speaking. Because even us shy gals have things to share with the world! 

I used to let my personality type keep me from sharing everything I had to offer simply because I didn’t think there was a way around my fear. 

I thought I could just avoid public speaking and never have to worry about it but then in walks social media. And the best way to be successful online is to get comfortable talking to people! And so I had to face my fears and learn how to speak confidently. 

If you’re a business owner and you utilize social media or have to speak in public, but you’re nervous about getting in front of people, I want to help you get over that fear! Especially if you’re an introvert like me! We can do hard things, even speaking in front of large crowds! 

AN INTROVERT’S GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKING: 

Just do it! 

Getting out of your comfort zone is a huge sign of growth. Sometimes the only pep talk we need is to just do it. Shut out the fear and worry and just jump in with both feet. I am always so honored when I’m asked to speak and then almost immediately regret it. But don’t back out. You had the courage to put your yes on the table and you have the courage to see it through! 

Create a game plan. 

Outline your speech and then beef up the talking points. And don’t be afraid to take your notes on stage with you. Print them out or have them on your phone for reference. No one expects you to have everything you want to share memorized. If you had a broken leg, you’d carry a crutch to help you walk. Bringing notes is no different. It’s simply a tool you can lean on!

Be honest. 

If you are feeling incredibly nervous,  call out the elephant in the room and tell the audience. Sometimes simply sharing your honesty helps to eliminate all of the fear. Let it be known, make light of it but then don’t live there. Be confident in what you’re talking about because you are the expert they hired to speak. Own that and command the room. 

Practice your speech. 

Ask your family or friends to sit down and listen to you or simply perform for your bedroom mirror. The more you can practice your speech, the more it will become second nature. And if you can get up in front of a crowd and speak about something that is second nature to you, there is nothing to fear. 

Go live or get in your stories. 

This is a great way to help you get comfortable being in front of people. Sure, it isn’t in-person contact, but the concept is the same. You’re sharing your story with a captive audience and sometimes that’s all the practice you need! 

I am not a public speaker. I hate the spotlight. I hate all eyes on me and I get jumbled under pressure when I know people are looking at me when I’m talking. 

But sometimes, when we’re running a business, we just have to get out there and share our story! 

A couple of years ago I was preparing to speak in front of thousands of people at a Convention and I knew I needed help in order to feel confident enough to actually go through with it. I searched for speaking coaches and found Heather Sager and I have to tell you, she is one of the best investments I have made in myself and my business. 

While I was working with Heather, she helped me to craft my story and feel more confident in what I was saying. In my head, I knew what I needed to say but it never seemed to come out the right way. She helped me realize that I didn’t need to overthink it. That I simply needed to relax. She helped me structure my speech in order to feel more confident on stage and my golly, I did it! And it didn’t feel scary. It actually felt super fun! 

I feel like most business owners don’t think about getting help with speaking because they aren’t planning to speak from large stages, but in this day and age with social media wanting us to post videos and go live, we need to feel confident enough to do that. Heather helped me to realize how I could take that nervous energy and find confidence each and every time I spoke, whether from a stage or in my stories. 

For more tips on public speaking from an expert, be sure to tune into my podcast episode where I sat down with public speaking expert, Heather Sager, to get the scoop on how to speak in public and how to do it well! 

 

Listen Now: The Melissa Koehler Show, Podcast Episode 20, Why You Should Consider Speaking Opportunities with Heather Sager

 

Bottom line: I want you to believe that no matter your personality, you have what it takes to speak in public. Take it from me, a total introvert who prefers not to be in the spotlight, and focus on these 5 tips in an introvert’s guide to public speaking!