The fear of public speaking

It’s important to remember that your ideas and experiences are valuable and can make a difference in the world. Take a leap of faith and begin by overcoming your fear. There are numerous benefits to conquering the fear of public speaking

• Improved self-confidence: When you conquer a fear, you gain a sense of accomplishment that can boost your self-confidence in many areas of life.
• Professional growth: Conquering the fear of public speaking can improve your professional development and unleash opportunities for advancement. Public speaking is an important skill in many careers.
• Enhanced communication skills: Public speaking involves more than just delivering a speech; it requires effective communication skills such as listening, persuasion, keeping a narrative, and connecting with your audience. By conquering the fear of public speaking, you can improve your overall communication skills thus increasing your EQ. 
• Better vocalization: Effective public speaking can enhance your ability to connect with others and build strong relationships, both personally and professionally.
• Reduced anxiety: Conquering a fear can lead to a reduction in anxiety and stress, as well as an increased ability to handle difficult situations.

Overall, conquering the fear of public speaking can have a positive impact on various areas of your life and help you to become a more confident, effective, and successful individual. Not to mention by sharing your ideas with a crowd, you can inspire and empower others, and make a positive impact on the world around you. 

Finding inspiration, and getting a boost

If you are interested in public speaking but feel nervous or intimidated, there are many resources available to help you build your skills and confidence. Some tips are mentioned below.

• Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice your speech or presentation, the more confident and comfortable you will feel when it is time to speak in front of an audience. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself speaking, or ask a friend or family member to listen and give you feedback.
  
• Join a Speaking Group: There are many speaking groups available, such as Toastmasters, debating clubs, etc. that can help you build your speaking skills and confidence. These groups provide a supportive environment where you can practice speaking and receive feedback from other members.
• Visualise Success: Before you speak, take a few minutes to visualize yourself delivering a successful speech or presentation. Imagine yourself feeling confident and comfortable, and receiving positive feedback from your audience.
• Start Small: If the thought of speaking in front of a large audience is too intimidating, start small. Practice speaking in front of a small group of friends or colleagues, or volunteer to speak at a local community event, or university.
• Take a leap: Start first and worry later. Once you commit to a task, half the work is done and your focus shifts to actually getting it done. Worries, doubts, and anxieties are a normal part of life but you can accomplish them anyway!

Talent Night

Did we get you all riled up yet? TEDxAmsterdam Women’s talent night welcomes everyone with an idea worth spreading to take hold of the microphone and let your words do the talking. 

As part of the preparation process for our speaker applicants, the shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to attend a workshop led by our very own speaker coach, Barbara Rogoski, where they will receive in-depth preparation for their speaking slot during talent night. So you can take to the famous ‘red dot’ with confidence in your message!

Use this opportunity to guide, inspire, empower, and change the world, one message at a time. Remember that through this platform, you have the power to move and motivate people with your words, so don’t hesitate, go out there and make an impact.

Make room for greatness

As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do one thing everyday that scares you” and watch your world change. It’s natural to feel afraid or uncertain when facing new challenges, but one should never let those fears hold us back from personal development.

Remember that your voice, ideas and experience matters and has the power to positively touch countless lives. We encourage you to challenge yourself and take that first step, and trust in your ability to make a meaningful difference in the world. Don’t let fear limit your potential and embrace the uncertainty. 

If you’re looking for some more inspiration on this topic check out these TED videos on the science of stage fright and the secret to public speaking. The selected videos are guaranteed to give you that extra boost that you need.