What world lies beyond that stormy sea I do not know, but every ocean has a distant shore, and I shall reach it.
Cesare Pavese
The open ocean promised untold riches, or a cold dark death. For Italian explorer John Cabot, the reward was worth the risk. In his mid-forties at the time, an engineer rather than a celebrated sailor, Cabot was enchanted by the potential of the newly discovered Americas. By some miracle of negotiation, in March of 1496 Cabot was able to convince the King of England, Henry VII, to authorize an expedition to the far side of the Atlantic. After quickly securing funding, he would venture into the unknown in search of fame and riches in the new world.
Like Cabot, we’re also living on the edge of a new frontier. As a new era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools begin to dominate the digital world, what’s real and what’s not is already becoming blurred. And how these tools will affect the business landscape is yet to be fully realized. This situation reminds me of the early days of the internet. I grew up in the Silicon Valley during the internet boom, and I remember the new arms race as business centers were built seemingly overnight and every startup company believed it was going to change the world.
But more memorable were the visionaries that rose during that time. Sergey Brin and Larry Page, Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos. The internet and the tools that supported it seemed to be thanks to 2 types of people: those with the technical skills to build it, and those with a vision about its future and the ability to communicate that vision to the public. Certainly, the men mentioned had considerable skills; but it’s been their vision that has stood the test of time as technology continues to advance beyond those early years.
These two examples of venturing into new frontiers highlight the value of pursuing public speaking skills in this moment in history. Think about it. Experts warn that thanks to AI we won’t be able to believe what we see or hear online. Generative models are already cannibalizing their own outputs, producing low quality and generic material. At the same time, researchers are warning about a shortage of original, human generated content.
Your experiences in your professional life and the lessons you’ve learned are a precious commodity that people will want to see and hear with their own eyes and ears in person. You are the new world. Your takeaways and lessons learned will need public speaking skills as the vehicle to carry your message to others. Whether it’s delivering a keynote address, pitching to investors, or leading workshops and presentations, the ability to communicate effectively in public is going to be a fundamental skill that is as important as the people that are writing the code and making the tools for AI.
However, for even accomplished individuals, the prospect of public speaking can be daunting. Fears and unanswered questions may linger, holding them back from fully embracing this powerful skill. Let’s delve into two common concerns that business professionals often face:
Fear of Failure or Embarrassment
The fear of making mistakes, being judged, or not meeting expectations is a normal and understandable concern. John Cabot’s first voyage in 1496 ended quickly and in embarrassment (so much so that there are no known first-hand accounts of it; apparently, Cabot didn’t want to talk about it). Still, whether or not this holds you back is entirely up to you. It may be that this apprehension stems from a deep-seated desire to maintain a positive self-image or avoid any potential damage to your reputation.
To overcome this fear, thorough preparation is key. Know your material inside and out, practice your delivery multiple times, and seek feedback from trusted sources. You’ve heard this all before.
But what you may not have heard is the importance of understanding the difference between perception and perspective. Fear of being judged comes from perception, which is the way we interpret outside information coming in. If we translate people’s reactions to our presentation as a reflection of our self-worth, then we might assume the ship will sink just because someone doesn’t like the color it’s painted.
But when we keep our perspective, we can protect ourselves. Perspective is the way we translate things based on who we are, how we were raised, and what’s important to us. When we keep other people’s opinions in perspective, we realize that the ship is so much more than superficial viewpoints. So instead of focusing on how the audience feels, we focus on how we feel about what we’re sharing. Remind yourself of your strengths and focus on the value of the material you have to offer to your audience. Think about how much people need to hear what you have to say, then share it with generosity and sincerity.
“If we translate people’s reactions to our presentation as a reflection of our self-worth, then we might assume the ship will sink just because someone doesn’t like the color it’s painted.”
Lack of Confidence in Speaking Abilities
Many business professionals may not consider themselves naturally gifted public speakers. They may worry that they lack the charisma, eloquence, or stage presence to deliver a compelling presentation. But like John Cabot, those same professionals pursue the skills needed in order to reach a new world. Interestingly, Cabot disappeared from history for a period from April 1493 and June 1494. It’s been suggested that he could have sailed with Columbus’s second voyage to the Caribbean. This may explain why Henry VII trusted him to lead his own voyage.
Similarly, a lack of confidence can be addressed through public speaking coaching and skill development. These programs provide a safe and supportive environment where you can learn the fundamentals of effective speaking, practice your delivery, and receive constructive feedback from experienced coaches. By investing in your speaking abilities, you can build the confidence you need to succeed in any public speaking situation. You can learn to sail, so to speak.
Remember, even the most seasoned speakers experience doubt and nervousness. Anyone that tells you otherwise is either lying or on drugs. The key is to embrace these feelings and use them as motivation to improve your skills. With the right preparation, practice, and mindset, you can overcome your fears and unlock your unique style of public speaking.
Time Constraints and Scheduling Conflicts
Of course, taking the time to learn, write, and practice public speaking can be tough. Balancing public speaking engagements with your business responsibilities can be a juggling act. However, with effective time management and strategic planning, it is possible to prioritize speaking opportunities that align with your business goals and schedule.
Here are some tips:
- Plan ahead: Identify potential speaking opportunities well in advance and schedule them into your calendar accordingly. Alternatively, you can hire a speaking agent that manages your availability.
- Delegate and prioritize: Whenever possible, delegate tasks to others to free up your time for speaking engagements.
- Maximize travel time: Use travel time to prepare for your speech or follow up with potential clients.
- Say no when necessary: It’s important to be selective about the speaking opportunities you accept. Focus on engagements that offer the greatest potential return on investment.
Unclear Return on Investment (ROI)
Some professionals may question whether the time and effort invested in public speaking is worth it. However, research has consistently shown that public speaking can have a significant positive impact on business growth, brand awareness, and leadership credibility.
Business Growth: Public speaking can generate leads, attract new clients, and close deals. By sharing your insights and expertise, you can establish yourself as a leader in your industry and build trust with potential customers.
Brand Awareness: Public speaking provides a platform to showcase your brand, increase visibility, and reach a wider audience. By delivering compelling presentations, you can enhance your brand’s reputation and credibility.
Leadership Credibility: Public speaking is an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership abilities, inspire others, and influence decision-makers. By effectively communicating your vision and ideas, you can build a strong personal brand and enhance your credibility as a leader.
Concerns About Topic Selection and Message Delivery
Choosing the right topic and crafting a compelling narrative are essential elements of successful public speaking. To address these concerns, speaking coaches will help you to:
- Identify audience needs: Research your audience to understand their interests, knowledge level, and pain points. Tailor your topic and message accordingly.
- Develop a clear message: Determine the key message you want to convey to your audience and structure your speech around it.
- Use storytelling techniques: Engage listeners by incorporating personal stories, anecdotes, and examples that illustrate your points and make your message more relatable.
Remember, public speaking is a skill that can be learned and improved over time. With the right preparation and mindset, you can overcome your fears, deliver impactful presentations, and harness the power of public speaking to advance your business and career.
Conclusion
Embracing public speaking as a business professional or entrepreneur can be a daunting prospect, but it is also an incredibly rewarding one. By addressing common fears and unanswered questions, such as the fear of failure, lack of confidence, time constraints, unclear ROI, and concerns about topic selection, you can build a strong foundation for success.
Although proper planning and preparation are key to this foundation, support is equally important to achieve excellence. John Cabot needed a practice run before leading a voyage that would be the foundation of England’s claim to North America.
So invest in your public speaking skills through coaching and skill development programs. Then prioritize speaking opportunities that align with your business goals and schedule. And research your audience and craft a compelling narrative that resonates with them.
Public speaking is a powerful tool that you can expect to increase in demand as people struggle to identify what they can trust online. As more people want to attend in-person conferences, you’ll have an opportunity to grow your business and establish yourself as an original and authentic voice in your industry.
If you’re ready to take your public speaking skills to the next level, connect with the Speaking Guild today. Our team of experienced coaches and industry experts will provide you with the personalized guidance and support you need to succeed. Together, we can unlock your potential and empower you to become a confident and impactful public speaker.
