Your beliefs can be the biggest obstacle, not external circumstances.
As a public speaking trainer, I’ve noticed that often, the biggest hurdles aren’t just about skill or practice but the mental barriers we unknowingly uphold.
Negative believes in public speaking
- “You have to be born as a great speaker. You can’t learn it. It’s a gift”.
- “I must be perfect”.
- “If I make a mistake, everyone will notice and judge me harshly”.
- “As an introvert, I can’t be a good speaker”.
- “Stage fright is impossible to learn to deal with”.
- “I’m not interesting enough”.
- “I don’t deserve to be listened to by hundreds of people”.
- “Everyone will see that I’m stressed”.
- “I will be exposed as an imposter during the Q&A session”.
The Roots and Impact
Do you recognize yourself in one of these?
Overcoming these thoughts and beliefs is a process, and it will rather not happen overnight.
How to deal with negative believes in public speaking?
Recognize and challenge them
- Are these thoughts based on facts or assumptions?
- Do you have evidence that they are true?
- Do they support your well-being and make you stronger?
- What benefits do you have by believing in them?
- Do you hear them in your head with the voice of somebody else?
Growth mindset
Focus on growth and the process of learning, not on the result. Mistakes can be a great learning opportunity. Embrace a growth mindset. Every mistake is a chance to learn and improve. By valuing the journey over the destination, you reduce the pressure on yourself to be perfect and open up to experiences that enhance your skills.
Learn the basics of public speaking
Learn the basics of public speaking to gain various tools and knowledge. Knowledge is power! Familiarize yourself with the fundamental techniques of public speaking. This includes mastering your body language, voice modulation, and structuring your speech. The more you know, the more confident you will feel.
Prepare thoroughly, but also be ready to be flexible
Preparation is crucial, but flexibility is key. Being overly rigid can increase anxiety. Instead, prepare thoroughly but allow yourself room to adapt to the audience and the environment. This balance can make your delivery more natural and engaging.
Practice mindfulness and positive affirmations to build a more supportive self-dialogue
When you fall into the trap of unsupportive thoughts, stop and think: would you say the same words to your friends that you said to yourself? Practicing mindfulness helps you stay present and manage stress. Positive affirmations can replace negative self-talk with empowering thoughts. This shift in internal dialogue can significantly boost your confidence.
Conclusion
By identifying and confronting these limiting beliefs, you can become not just better speakers but also a more confident individual.
The journey of overcoming these barriers is not only about improving your public speaking skills but also about personal growth and self-discovery. Embrace the process, and you’ll find yourself becoming a more resilient and effective communicator.
Photo Kilian Kessler
