Top Tips: Public Speaking for Introverts!
Public Speaking is not just for extroverts! Yes, you read correctly, introverts you don’t need to fear Public Speaking.
Public speaking can be particularly difficult for introverts, who often hate to be the centre of attention, but there are many ways that an introvert can be just as successful at Public Speaking as an extrovert. In fact, many of the professional speakers I know are actually introverts!
As Malcolm Gladwell states “Public Speaking is not an act of extroversion”.
Here are our Top Tips to embrace Public Speaking as an introvert:
1. Be Yourself:
Good speakers aren’t always outgoing, funny, or energetic, but they are always interesting. So “just be yourself”, it’s a cliché, we know, but don’t aim to copy other speakers you may have seen at conferences or giving TEDtalks.
Examine yourself, your character and your style. Not every speaker needs to be a great comedian, or loud and exuberant on stage. Perhaps you are an amazing, focused and engaging storyteller instead!
Imitating a style of speaking that is not natural to you will only result in your speech suffering. Identify your strengths and focus on them.
2. Always be prepared:
Knowing that you are well prepared for your speech is a great way to overcome any anxiety you may have as an introvert.
A common fear introverts have is losing their train of thought mid-speech and not having the communicative skills to get back on track. To avoid this, prepare, prepare, prepare! Many people learn and rehearse every single word of their speech before they perform it.
Don’t forget, the amount of time it will take to perform your speech will probably be short compared to the time it takes you to write, prepare and practice it!
3. Channel your confident self:
Don’t think of public speaking as a terrible ordeal, think of it as a performance! You can still perform and be yourself!
“It’s a performance, and many performers are hugely introverted.” Malcolm Gladwell
Think back to an occasion when you felt confident, maybe it was a project at work or a personal achievement such as running a marathon. Envision a time you felt strong and confident in yourself and channel that version of yourself on stage.
4. Change your perspective:
It’s not all about you! A great way to overcome your fear of Public Speaking is to focus on the audience. Remember introverts are often at an advantage when it comes to presenting. Although extroverts are amazing at being the centre of attention, making a great speech or presentation isn’t about ‘you’, it’s about the audience and the message you are giving them.
The best speeches are ones which give the audience what they want; whether that’s solving a problem or reaffirming a belief that they have. Take time to research who you will be speaking to and how you can offer them value.
5. Take care of yourself:
Introverts often feel anxious and tired just thinking about Public Speaking, this is completely normal! Make sure you are feeling prepared and recharged before you step onto the stage. Give yourself plenty of quiet time before any public speaking engagement to allow yourself to focus and keep calm. After your speech take time to recharge, remember to take care of yourself!
If you are an Introvert and would like to learn more about how to improve your public speaking skills click here to find out about our amazing Speak with Confidence Course online course or the new Sit Down and Speak - Online which will give you confidence when presenting on Zoom.