Remember the days of the radio dial?
If you wanted to switch stations, you didn't just tap a button. You rotated a knob, a physical act of searching. You could inch your way along the dial, meticulously seeking that perfect frequency, or you could give it a quick spin, hoping to land somewhere close. But let's be honest, that quick spin rarely delivered the crystal-clear sound you craved.
More often than not, finding your station required a series of small, deliberate twists. A little to the left, a touch to the right, until the static faded and a strong, clear signal emerged.
Our belief systems, especially when it comes to public speaking, are remarkably similar to those old radio dials.
As a young professional, I remember vividly the moment I realized public speaking was going to be a part of my job. I had accepted a role that required me to present workshops to supervisors at our client companies, teaching them how to recommend our services to their teams. I sat at the back of the room, watching my boss deliver the workshop flawlessly. I took copious notes, but all I could think was, "I'll never be able to do this." The static of fear was deafening.
What is learned was that kind of internal story only makes matter worse. With consistent observation and practice I mastered the presentation. Over time I was able to deliver the message just as seamlessly as my boss.
Perhaps you've felt that same static. That knot in your stomach, the racing thoughts, the fear of freezing on stage. Many professionals struggle with public speaking anxiety. We create a narrative in our minds about why we cannot get on stage or on camera and share our story. It is our BS (belief systems, not bull****) that holds us back.
But just like finding a clear radio signal, building confidence in public speaking requires consistent effort and those small, deliberate twists of the dial.
Acknowledge the Static: Recognize the limiting beliefs that are holding you back. Write them down. "I'm not good enough." "I'll embarrass myself." "I'll forget what to say." Then write the opposite and recite that instead. "I'll forget" becomes "I know my material."
Small Twists: Instead of aiming for a perfect presentation right away, focus on small, manageable steps. Practice speaking in front of a mirror. Record a short video of yourself explaining a concept. Practice with a friend. I started by rehearsing 15 minute segments of the 2 hour workshop over the phone with my sister.
Consistent Tuning: Just like finding a clear radio signal, building a new belief system requires consistent effort. In my case, it was delivering small segments of that workshop week after week. Each time, I got a little better, a little more confident. A few months later I confidently delivered the presentation while my boss watched in the back of the room.
Listen to the Clarity: As you make those small adjustments, you'll start to hear a clearer signal. You'll begin to see your progress, and your confidence will grow. Just like I eventually did, you will find you can deliver that presentation flawlessly.
Building a story of power and encouragement is not about a sudden, dramatic change. It's about the consistent, incremental work of tuning your beliefs. It's about finding that clear signal amidst the static.
Are you ready to tune out the static and find your voice? Let's talk to see if what partnering with me can help you overcome your public speaking fear. Schedule your complimentary, no obligation call and we'll discuss how you can start tuning your beliefs and finding your frequency. Click here to book.