Why are you afraid of speaking in public? Have you had a bad experience?
If so, you’re not alone. My sessions are filled with people who’ve been put off public speaking because of other people’s comments. Sometimes intentional, sometimes careless, our words can have a real impact on the confidence of those around us.
I once worked with a lovely woman called Nicky who was continually talked over in every team meeting. There was one member of her team who felt their voice was the most important, and this total disregard for the other people around the table had left her (and probably others) feeling as though her contribution had no value. So, guess what? She stopped speaking up.
Perhaps you’ve got a horrible experience of forgetting your words or losing your train of thought? I have to put my own hand up to this one; fresh out of drama school, I got a gig compering a show, and the script kept changing right up to curtain up. Sure enough, a few scenes in, my mind went completely blank. It was hideous for everyone, particularly the audience, many of whom were visibly cringing on my behalf (believe me, I didn’t need anyone to do that for me). All these years on, this experience still forms the basis of my anxiety dreams and, had I not had to continue getting up on stage to earn a living, I would most certainly have slunk off under my duvet, never to tread the boards again.
Lots of my clients have had bad experiences which have made them scared of putting themselves on the front line. Because of that, their public speaking confidence and presentation skills have gradually eroded away, and they feel they have a mountain to climb to get their skills back to where they need to be.
I know, though, how powerful it is to find our voice.
I’ve seen the impact on the confidence of my clients. I absolutely LOVE the transformation; and it’s not just about being able to write a great talk, or connect with their audience, or land the message (although I love all that, too!).
It’s about CONFIDENCE. I can’t tell you how amazing it is to hear from clients who contact me in the days, weeks, even months after a training session, to tell me how it has changed their lives.
Here are a few of the things they’ve told me:
“I hope you know how good you are at what you do – you’re more than just a public speaking coach, you have changed my life immeasurably and I feel like the person I’m meant to be”.
“The skills Anna taught me have given me the confidence to get out there and build great relationships with new contacts”.
“It’s been so lovely to see members of my team grow in confidence – they are literally walking taller and seem so much happier in their interactions with each other and with our clients”.
“Since the workshop I have actually enjoyed the presentations I’ve given and received great feedback from my team”.
“I left our session feeling empowered and confident that I was, undoubtedly, a much more relaxed and effective speaker”.
“I wanted to thank you for giving me back my ‘spark’. I hadn’t realised how much more I would get out of our session than just presentation skills”.
“Just to let you know I got the job! Thank you for giving me the confidence to go for it, and the skills to nail my interview. Training with you has changed the whole direction of my life and I feel I can do anything!”.
Public speaking training isn’t just about finding techniques and strategies. It’s about finding your VOICE.
Contact me to find out how we can unlock your potential and give you back your spark.