Motola Oyebanjo is the Senior Communications Director, Africa Region, Heifer International.
Turning Fear to Leverage
Like many people, I used to be very afraid of speaking in public. Research shows that the fear of public speaking, also known as glossophobia, affects about 75% of the world’s population. So if you have this fear, you are in good company!
Interestingly, stage fright is not confined to introverts like me. Even extroverts who enjoy spending time with people face this challenge too.
On the flip side, public speaking is a powerful tool for leadership and career advancement. It builds confidence, enhances credibility, improves communication skills, helps you expand your network and seal important deals.
Public Speaking – A Hidden Currency
Great speaking isn’t just about what you say. It’s how you say it. Tone, pace, and body language speak volumes before your words even land. Storytelling, in particular, is a superpower. People forget bullet points but remember the story that moved them.
If you think of public speaking as delivering information, you’ll miss the mark. Think of it instead as connecting with people and watch your influence grow.
You rarely get time to prepare for your defining moments. The unexpected meeting. The chance introduction to a decision-maker. The call to present because your boss is stuck in traffic. When opportunity appears, you won’t have time to learn public speaking. You’ll need to already have it in your toolkit.
When the moment comes, the deal, the promotion, or the career leap won’t go to the most polished slides. It will go to the person who can stand, speak, and make people believe.
The question isn’t, “Will I ever need public speaking?” The question is, “Will I be ready when I do?”
So how can we conquer the fear to reap the benefits? Here are some practical tips that have worked for me:
1. Face the Fear Head-On
The fear won’t disappear until you confront it. Like most fears, overcoming the fear of public speaking requires standing up to it. In my case, transitioning from an internal communications role at Unilever to an external-facing one at the British Council was a game-changer. With frequent public speaking requirements in front of key stakeholders in government, media, and the private sector, I had no choice but to learn. It was a sink-or-swim situation, and I chose to swim! You should too.
2. Prepare and Practice
Not everyone is a natural orator like Barack Obama. For most of us, preparation is key. Craft your talking points to align with the session’s objectives, audience expectations, and your desired outcomes. If possible, enlist the help of an experienced communications professional or speechwriter. Practice delivering your speech within the allotted time, and ensure your presentation slides or notes flow logically.
3. Acknowledge the Butterflies
Recognize that pre-speech jitters are normal. Even seasoned speakers admit to feeling nervous before stepping on stage. The good news? The anxiety usually subsides as you get into the flow of your presentation. When I feel the jitters, I always remind myself why what I am doing is important. The sense of purpose helps me make the shift in my mind and focus on quality delivery.
4. Remember: Your Audience Is Rooting for You
Most people in the audience don’t want to endure an uncomfortable presentation. They’re hoping for an enjoyable and engaging experience. Use this knowledge to boost your confidence and remind yourself that your audience wants you to succeed.
5. Focus on Your Audience, Not Yourself
Shift your attention from your performance to the value you’re providing. Engage with your audience by speaking with them, not at them. Embrace your personal style, breathe, relax, and try to enjoy the moment. When you focus on delivering value, the pressure to “perform” diminishes.
6. Make Your Speech Memorable
Start strong to capture your audience’s attention, whether with compelling statistics, an intriguing question, a powerful quote or an interesting story. Include quotable soundbites throughout your speech. This not only resonates with your audience but also provides content they can share on social media. Finally, finish with a strong summary and a punchy closing to leave a lasting impression.
7. Master Impromptu Speaking with the Rule of Three
Unplanned speaking opportunities can be daunting. A helpful strategy I learned from a TEDx trainer many years back is the “Rule of Three.” When asked to speak impromptu, quickly identify three key points you want to convey. Alternatively, structure your thoughts into three parts: beginning, middle, and end. This approach helps you organize your thoughts and respond coherently.
Final Thoughts
Public speaking is a skill that grows with practice. By taking on more speaking and presentation opportunities, you can transform your fear into confidence. Here’s to stepping onto more stages and making your voice heard.
