Managing your mindset when doing public speaking or video shoots
· Blog, UncategorizedLast week I did a talk at Ignite Sydney. it was a wonderful experience speaking in front of 600 of the nicest people you could ever meet. The other speakers blew me away! Here’s video about the experience: https://vimeo.com/127574623
It’s not easy.
As an introvert I’m not naturally drawn to public speaking or video blogging, but in the past years I’ve come to realise it’s important to not give in to that tendency – public speaking is a very a skill that will help you grow your business beyond your network.
Self talk
We are our own worst ememies when it comes to public speaking: the stories we tell ourselves about who we are can be very self limiting: https://vimeo.com/127574624
How to do it anyway
Write the presentation 4-5 weeks beforehand: you’ll need the time to develop the idea.
Find brutally honest partners
I reached out to a small group of people who I can trust will give me honest feedback: I just filmed myself and shared with a small group. My wife Beth, John, Sandi, Steve, Carolyn Tate, John Yeo and John Downes: you’ve been a huge support. Thanks for your time and wisdom!
Talks On Purpose
A major step in the journey for me was taking part in Slow School Talks On Purpose program. It really helped me get over the hurdle and start anyway. Here are a few thoughts on starting the journey that may be helpful for fellow introverts:
You don’t have to believe in your self.
Generally, people tell you that you need to confidence and then the speaking gets better. My experience is that it’s the other way around. I started with a belief I can’t do it, but by simply going ahead I gained the confidence.
Don’t set the bar too high
I realised I don’t need to be amazing. Just good enough to get the idea across.
Be angry.
Anger is not always a destructive force: it can really drive you to go outside of your comfort zone. Anger can be the impetus to change things. It can drive you to do things you never imagined doing. The best presentations are done by speakers who channel their passion about something that frustrates them. Here’s an great example: https://vimeo.com/121752757
It’s bigger than you
Karen isn’t talking about herself; her purpose and idea is much, much bigger than that. Introverts will feel more comfortable with this principle. The audience is interesting in learning about the idea, not the person.
Your audience wants you to succeed.
They’re not there to see how you stack up; only you think that. They’re invested in hearing a good story or an interesting idea.
Introverts, unite!
You’re not doing yourself justice if you don’t give it a go. I’m no rockstar presenter by any standards, but I’m so grateful I’ve pushed myself! To be continued; I hope I see you on the journey too!