You just finished your presentation and you felt it wasn’t perfect. Someone was sitting with crossed arms, another one looked far from the happiest person on Earth. You also feel that you didn’t deliver it as well as you practiced and planned it.
Another scenario.
You feel pretty good about the presentation, but you received negative feedback. Sometimes, the feedback is even contradictory: too fast or too slow, too detailed or not deep enough, too happy or too serious.
Does everyone have to like your presentation? Should you care?
The answer is yes and no.
Why should you care?
Because feedback helps you adjust your prosody, body language, and content to meet your audience’s needs, not what you want to say. Who wouldn’t want to be admired by everyone watching your presentation, receive friendly pats on the back with “great job,” and give viral speeches? It might not be pleasant to hear that you could improve, but without feedback, you won’t grow or understand your listeners’ needs.
Why not?
NO, because you should also be selective. On stage, you have your unique style. Some people will like it, others won’t—and that’s okay. Just because some people prefer mountains over the sea doesn’t mean the sea should hide and never appear again????
During workshops, I’m often amazed when participants share their differing opinions about the same presentation.
It’s important to find a balance. On the one hand, not to lose yourself trying to fit others’ visions of who you should be, but on the other hand, critically reflect on your skills and validate your self-perception with reality.
Do you care what people think about your presentation?
Why are you not getting better at public speaking?
Your beliefs can be the biggest obstacle, not external circumstances. Very often, the biggest hurdles aren’t just about skill or practice but the mental barriers we unknowingly uphold. How to deal with them? Read the article.
Relaxation techniques
You are not alone.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 74% of people suffer from speech anxiety to some extent. This fear of public speaking can significantly impact our personal and professional lives. It can cause avoidance behaviors like declining speaking engagements, not accepting promotions, or skipping presentations. The good news is that there are some tools available to help you learn to manage stress. Find out more in this article.
How does your mind trick you?
From an evolutionary point of view, having opinions, beliefs, typical patterns of action or assessments has its justification. Mechanical behavior has both negative consequences and also positive ones.
They shorten the time for making decisions, which can be an energy-consuming activity. It would be hard for us to function if we had to wonder every morning whether we should stop at a red light, whether we could touch a hot pot, or whether walking along a dark street at night, it is worth making new friends with a person carrying a knife.
Hi. Welcome to my blog 🙂 I’m a psychologist and public speaking trainer. In 2021 I was chosen as one of the top 11 public-speaking coaches worldwide 2021, according to the Coach Foundation ranking. I work as a TEDx coach and Head of Speakers at TEDxZurich. I also help, among others, lawyers, vocalists, actors, lecturers and business people in preparation for their speeches in front of hundreds of people in the audience, as well as in conducting small meetings or presentations. For many years I worked on controlling the stage fright that kept me awake at night. I was singing and dancing in a Cuban musical. I have always wondered how to manage the internal critic, not to worry about the opinion of others, and how to build a real sense of confidence on stage. Now I know the answer.
Recently, I have given countless interviews, which made me aware of the importance of confidence in front of the camera. Having been involved in music since the age of 10, I know how stressful it can be to present to a wider audience. By combining my business and music experience, I can guide you through the process of changing direction towards your dreams. Based on my vast stage experience, I have gained the ability to provide adequate tools and methods of coaching that will support your development.