Public Speaking - A fear you can conquer. Here is how

First, let me introduce myself and tell you my background story.

I'm a developer with industry experience of about two decades. I've developed software products and people over the years and learned much about application development, project management, and customer interactions.

However, the beginning of my happening professional career was not as glorious as it is today. Coming from a remote village in India 🇮🇳, communication was always a hurdle for me(and many other folks!). Thinking about public speaking, giving sessions, and teaching people online and offline could only be seen in dreams!

But I did it! I've been doing public speaking for the last 4 years and enjoying it completely. This article is not about boasting myself, but the background was essential to let you know that hard work and a few strategies can make you a public speaker of high value.

This article is about those strategies that worked for me, and I hope it works out for you as well. 🤩

🟣 All is in the MIND

The fear of public speaking is natural. Accept it. The next thing you can do is to talk to yourself constantly: "I want to do it, enjoy it, and kill it". Ask your mind, 'What worst can happen?'. Tell your mind that you can deal with it.

The first essential step is to believe in yourself.

🟣 The more you DO, the Better you Get

Do you drink coffee(or any hot beverages)? Public speaking is like drinking coffee ☕. Be cautious about the first sip, slowly get used to the temperature, and then enjoy the test.

With public speaking, too, start doing it in smaller circles. Get feedback from friends and family who are watching you speak. Work on constructive feedback. The next step is to post CFPs(Call for Paper) for online and offline public speaking opportunities.

🟣 Start with the "End" in Mind

You need some amount of preparation before your public speaking event. When you prepare, visualize yourself in front of people, many people. In Public speaking, you are never alone. So your preparation must factor in that. When you prepare, you shouldn't think that you are alone!

Note your points as you practice. Some great tools create transcripts from voice. I often use them when I practice and dump my brain into them. At a later point in time, I go over and get used to the flow I want to use in the event.

🟣 The Right Communication

Ok, let me tell you this! It's not always about the spoken language(usually English). In public speaking, there is a lot to do with your body language, which is also a big part of Communication.
When speaking, keep eye contact with the audience. Float your eye contact across the room, do not fix it with a guy or girl, as it may look awkward! Keep your body language natural and unique.

You may also consider how you want to pitch a topic to your audience. People do not like monotone. So ensure you show empathy in your voice when needed, keep it confident, and go slow.

The last part is about body movement. I have seen many speakers(including myself) go very animated when they are on the stage! Moving your hands or taking a slow walk on the stage while you deliver your speech is fine. However, you need to control not showing any aggressive behaviour while delivering the talk(including any slang that may not go well with the public!).

Be Yourself. When you are on stage, you are the BOSS 💪.

🟣 What's in the SHAME?

Could you believe that most of us don't speak publicly because we feel what others will think of us? Yes, there is some amount of shyness, a bit of shame that works in the background for most of us.

You need to understand that people accept you well when be authentic. In a public speaking event, you can even say that you are nervous and ask your audience to bear that. No shame!

It's fine to be vulnerable and to show that publicly. People will find you authentic that way. A suggestion is to keep pointers of your presentation to recollect the topic details when needed.

🟣 Stop Thinking about Yourself and Them

Do you remember when you were learning to drive, swim, and cycle? You went with the flow of learning it without worrying about who you are and who else is looking at you.

The same is with public speaking, too. Don't think of the audience's status, their knowledge, and who they are. Your job is to deliver the talk and enjoy doing it. You can try engaging with your audience so that they become more attentive to your talk. But you don't have to feel small or big based on the crowd you are speaking to.

Be neutral and be natural.

Before We End...

That's all, and I hope it helps you to get started!

I still have a long way to go, but I found the path and am glad to share with you the same. Feel free to ask me questions.

I keep sharing content on JavaScript, React, Full Stack Development, Content Creation, and Career. Follow me for more of these.

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