“99% of the population is afraid of public speaking, and of the remaining 1%, 99% of them have nothing original and interesting to say.” – Jarod Kintz
As I type this, I’m watching Season 9 of the Next Food Network Star and I’m experiencing something introverts often feel: Empathy. Finalist, Viet Pham seems shy and uncomfortable in front of others, and particularly on camera.
Tonight he is being critiqued, yet again, for not evolving in his ability to speak on camera. He seems surprised by this criticism, as he explains to the judges that he is more comfortable in front of others than he has ever been in his life.
As an introvert, what Pham is going through is completely relatable. We often feel that we’re yelling, when others only hear a steady tone of voice. Or that we’re speaking normally, when others only hear a whisper.
When we stretch ourselves outside of our comfort zones, particularly if it involves raising our voices or behaving in an outgoing manner, it raises our adrenaline (and a flight response) and can be quite uncomfortable.
I sometimes still feel this way when public speaking. The anticipation of waiting until it is time for me to speak, rehearsing what I’m going to say in my mind and then standing in front of a room full of people waiting for me to talk.
But, I have found that it gets easier over time. The more I practice, the more comfortable and confidant I’ve become in my speaking abilities. It doesn’t mean that there aren’t times when the idea of speaking up makes my heart race and my knees shake, but at least now I can remind myself that I’ve done this before, and I’ve survived.
Here are some tips that have helped me immensely in overcoming a fear of public speaking:
- Don’t drink coffee before speaking – If you’re anything like me, caffeine will increase the adrenaline already making your heart race and limit your ability to focus and remain calm.
- Imagine you’re rehearsing the speech to an empty room, or one comfortable familiar face – since picturing the audience in their underwear or imagining a room full of friends, is likely to create more anxiety for an introvert, I find imagining I’m on my own to be much more helpful.
- Find passion – If you’re not passionate, or at least mildly interested, in what you’re talking about, your confidence will be shaken and no one will buy what you’re saying. Even if you have no choice but to speak about a lightbulbs or pocket protectors, find something interesting in the subject and try highlighting that.
- Smile – It sounds simple, but it works. Smiling seems to fool my brain into thinking I’m calm and collected even if I don’t start out feeling that way. Don’t get creepy with it, try to keep it genuine.
If you’re looking for some more help, I also came across this Globeandmail.com article, 11 tips for introverts who want to embrace public speaking.
Thinking back to Viet Pham, I wonder if many introverts are drawn to the food industry or to an interest in food in general? More thoughts on this later…
Quiet Girl, LOUD WORLD 