Public Speaking: it's hard to make it look easy
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.
