Preparing Your Speech: How Leaders Shift to a Mindset of Service in Public Speaking
Public speaking strikes fear in the hearts of even the most courageous leaders. Thoughts of standing in front of a crowd, blinding spotlight on you, induces panicked breathing and palm sweating. Public speaking is some people’s worst nightmare! Personally, even with my degree in Acting, it definitely took some time for me to find my voice and confidence as a speaker. Everyone expects that their anxiety will subside after some practice, but the truth is, it may not. The trick is to learn to be more aware of that discomfort and redirect.
Someone who has inspired me to start this conversation, and actually teaches public speaking is, Michael Esposito. He is an insurance broker, entrepreneur, non-profit founder, and actually chooses to speak in front of crowds… he must be crazy, right? After interviewing him for one of our Leadership Live sessions (every Friday at 12pm EST on Facebook), I am inspired to share some of his wisdom.
One of the most important aspects of public speaking is the content of the speech. If you are addressing something about which you are passionate and knowledgeable, “riffing” becomes more natural. During our interview Michael posed the question to our audience to consider when developing a talk: “What are you bringing of value?”
“Bring value to the people that are listening. Share information with them that they couldn’t find anywhere else... share it with them for free.”
Valuing yourself and your work are very important, of course. However, it is how we serve, and how we add value to others, that helps us be truly successful. When you engage in a mindset of service as a speaker, this includes the audience in your process and invites them to share your energy - which is super magnetic for them. As Michael says, an intention of service “...takes away from the anxiety and stress of anything because all you’re doing is coming to give.”
An article in the Harvard Business Review explains how shifting the focus from ourselves to helping others is a key way to disarm your anxiety. “When we are kind to others, we feel calmer and less stressed,” writes Sarah Gershman. “The same principle applies in public speaking. When we approach speaking with a spirit of generosity, we counteract the sensation of being under attack and start to feel less nervous.”
If you go into that crowd, board room, or zoom meeting with the mindset that you are there to share with no expectations, what is there to lose?
Have some wisdom, experience or crazy stories to share about speaking in public? We’d love to hear from you.
For more inspiration from Michael, check out the full interview Below!