13: Finding Your Voice

Do you have a fear of public speaking? It’s a common fear for many people, even though many others–like me–use a speaking platform constantly in their chosen professions. So why does speaking in front of an audience prompt such immobilizing fear? How can it be overcome? Join me as we approach this topic today.

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I’m not going to be silent.”–Madeleine Albright

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• THE #1 FEAR for most people is the fear of public speaking (even ahead of dying!)
• The problem with not using your voice is that when you don’t speak up, your opinions, expertise, knowledge, wisdom, compassion, kindness, and curiosity don’t get shared
• Simply recognizing that using your voice is important doesn’t change the terror that comes with it
• What can we do? Some people say, “Imagine your audience in their underwear,” or “Look over the tops of their heads.” Some advise to carefully script yourself, to use notes, or memorize your words
• My advice is to speak from your heart because your words are intrinsically entwined with your heart. “The exact reason that people are afraid of public speaking is because their heart becomes vulnerable.” This is a risk you have to be willing to take!
• Look at people and see them as humans who hear and understand what you have to say
• “Stage fright” comes from a focus on self and a fear that your heart will be wounded
• The best way to practice public speaking is to practice being vulnerable with your heart
• You have to have complete confidence that they need to hear what you have to say
• Value your voice and be vulnerable with your heart, then people will feel your genuine care for them
• “You have so much to share with the world that people need to hear you.”  

Resources:

www.elisahayes.com  Check out my “Freebies” tab for great resources!