Is Public speaking Torture for You? A few weeks ago, I received this question from a coaching client: “You know what is most frustrating to me? I feel like I am a rather calm person – I really don’t feel like a person who runs with high anxiety. “As a nurse and as a mom and a wife and a student, I am so chill compared to others that I see around me. So why is public speaking so tortuous…
Presence and Connection Lead to Customers When you speak, it is your presence and connection ability that carries your words to a customer. You may think that your words are the important factor, but being in the moment, fully present, connected to yourself and others gives power to what you say. Whether it is sales or support, when you are anxious, you are less effective. Perhaps you feel pressured to make an impression or get the sale. Maybe you lack…
Our common language There is a common language we all share and it is more powerful than words. The best way to explain this language is to share about my recent trip to Greece. The phrase, “it’s all Greek to me” ran through my mind constantly. When I tried to communicate with someone other than a shopkeeper, it was literally all Greek to me. I couldn’t understand anything. I realized, however, that I did connect with individuals using another language……
Does Rehearsing really ward off speaking anxiety? Do you think rehearsing a speech over and over or scripting every word will help you ward off anxiety and look more confident? I used to believe rehearsing was the key to success. In Toastmasters I scripted every speech. I thought if I got the words right and delivered them flawlessly, I’d eventually find my way to confident speaking. Spending hours and hours rehearsing a short 5-minute speech! I taped myself on a…
Do you want to have better eye contact while speaking? “Hey look me over… lend me an ear” is the first line of a Broadway musical song sung by Lucille Ball. How could this line relate to better eye contact when speaking? When I think of this line, I don’t imagine Lucille in one of her whacky performances. I think of you standing in front of an audience ready to speak. How does it feel when all eyes of an…
Your public speaking anxiety may have deep roots…and here’s why: When you were young and ever so tender, your ability to freely express yourself may have been stunted. If so, to develop a strong and resilient sense of being safe whenever you speak is compromised… …and childhood memories of criticism, judgement, bullying, humiliation, and/or shame persist. You may not have had the internal resources or the external support to heal the emotional injuries at such a young age. You had…
Are you Hiding Your Authentic Self? Many people are simply too afraid to even face their public speaking anxieties. They can and do avoid the spotlight for years. The truth is that the beautiful and natural Essential Self within never gets to come out from hiding. It never learns to dance and play and sing because it might be judged. Let’s extend an invitation and welcome the authentic self, your most powerful inner resource, out into a new world. You…
© 2019 Essential Speaking - Doreen Hamilton Ph.D.
