How I Beat the Fear of Public Speaking!

I’m just curious, are you introverted? As entrepreneurs, there are going to be many times where we have to speak in front of people. Whether it’s to close a deal, or to share wisdom with your massive team. Fortunately, public speaking is a learned skill. Here is how I learned to overcome my fear.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a socially awkward, shy guy. By my late teens, I barely spoke at all. So you can imagine how much fun I had in my early years of business 😋. My nervousness was so bad that I would sweat and shake in fear during conference calls in my empty house. I often muted my line and pretended to be away from the phone to avoid being asked to speak.

Still, I attended every presentation, and joined my team in group prospecting. As time went by, I became more comfortable around them. Fear of talking to them went away. My confidence extended to speaking in front of them, plus a single guest, 2 guests, and so on.

At home, I made a habit of thinking out loud, often conversing with myself. I would also read out loud, pretending I had an audience. I also watched videos of speakers such as Jim Rohn and Joel Osteen, observing their mannerisms and movements. My business sponsor, who presents the weekly team meetings, is also someone I watch and mimic.

My sponsor once unexpectedly had me teach the team a certain strategy. So I nervously stood in the front of the room and stammered my way through it. Weeks later, he did it again. And again. Not only did I get used to it, I had so much fun training the team that I lost the fear and began to volunteer. Thus giving me even more incentive to gain experience in speaking before an audience.

Now I’m at a point where I don’t feel any fear except for some slight goosebumps when I’m standing on a stage before a few dozen viewers. I’d like to tell you that this was all an easy, quick process. It actually took about 4 years and lots of awkward spots from demonic, extroverted, psycho-colleagues. The time will go by, whether you overcome your shyness or not. Why not invest that time in improving your communication skills?

Make a nice day!