Tips for Public Speaking From a ‘Nervous Nellie’
Lauren McWilliams- Front stage at Customs House, presenting at Micro Business Unite Event 2023
If I could go back in time to 2019, when I first started my photography business, and tell myself I’d be speaking at the South Shields Customs House in front of a packed audience… I don’t think I’d have believed it!
Start small
If the idea of public speaking makes you queasy, then I recommend taking small steps towards your goal. Don’t immediately jump on stage at the Customs House, for example. Instead, try a live video on social media or visit a local networking group to practise your 60-second pitch.
When I first started my business, Instagram Live was a new feature that really helped you to gain exposure and boost your presence on the platform. But the thought of doing any live videos made me feel sick. So, instead of just hopping on my story with a live feed to all my followers, I decided to try a live stream to my coaching group led by Gillian Devine, my photography mentor.
I knew the people in the group would be supportive, and the video was only streaming to those who had access to the group. So, after a few practice runs at home, I took the plunge, and it went really well!
Now I am a lot more comfortable with live streaming on my social media accounts, and I recognise that if I make a mistake or say something incorrectly, it’s just a sign that I am a human being and not perfect all of the time!
That leads me onto my next tip…
Embrace the imperfect
Mistakes happen! Especially when we are feeling under pressure, and the nerves hit. If you find yourself on a live stream, or even standing on a stage, and you make a mistake… just laugh it off! I can guarantee that the audience will be on your side even more.
Embracing the fast and loose nature of public speaking will end up making you even more memorable than someone who simply reads from a script like a robot. So, if you jumble up your words, don’t panic. Just keep going!
Try something new
During the lockdowns, I ran multiple groups and challenges for free with the intention of helping other small businesses to keep showing up when we couldn’t leave our homes. As a result,, this actually helped me step out of my comfort zone too! And, little by little, it started getting easier.
Then, I went on to do training and workshops online for paying clients and, eventually, I spoke in person. The transition was nowhere near as difficult as I thought it would be. Without even knowing it, I had already built up the confidence to deliver my presentations from the comfort of my own home office.
Pick something to work towards
I knew I wanted to do more public speaking, but I wasn’t sure how to go about it. Then coach and speaker Ian Farrar asked me to speak at the Micro Businesses Unite event in South Shields, and I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to hone my skills and face my fears.
I’d be lying if I said I walked into it easily. In fact, I was so ready to cancel and say I couldn’t do it. My stomach was spinning, my hands were sweating…
As soon as I got up there, I just spoke from my heart, and I’m so glad I did. I felt so much pride and accomplishment, and people even approached me afterwards to say how well the talk went. I feel like this was a huge turning point in my entrepreneurial journey as I now know I can really do anything I set my mind to…
So, I unlocked a new level this month, what about you? Let me know about your biggest achievement in June over on Instagram @lauren.mcwilliams.
