Do you look forward to giving a speech or presentation? Or, as I used to do is this something you avoid? Ever since I was young I’ve been concerned about speaking in public: sweaty palms, dry mouth and that prehistoric instinct to run away.
I convinced myself it was due to shyness. However, the truth is I have a predisposition to ‘introversion’.
Shyness and introversion are very different. Extroverts are energised by being with people, introverts can also enjoy company, but being with people uses up their energy, so they will eventually need to go off to recharge.
Encouragingly, when I started practising public speaking in a safe and supportive environment, I discovered there were lots of ways to help channel my introverted behaviour and gain confidence. I have been developing my own ‘introverted public speaking’ toolkit ever since and am delighted to share some tips.
- Allow for preparation
Take your time to prepare a structured and well-crafted speech, with a clear beginning, middle and end. Research your intended audience and make sure you structure the speech for their benefit rather than yours. This preparatory process is excellent for calming the nerves of an introvert, as it provides the infrastructure for a speech which I think of as a ‘comfort blanket’ for when you are rehearsing and then delivering your presentation
My first talk took eight weeks to complete, it now takes around four. I have identified certain themes and structures that work well for me, such as starting with an open question for the audience or including a call to action at the end of a speech.
- Speak authentically
The world is full of great introverted public speakers, but their introversion is rarely noticed. Barack Obama is just one of many high-profile introverted orators who overcame public speaking anxiety by focusing on a central theme, cause or mission that had greater importance than his own nerves.
When you talk passionately about a subject, not only is the content easier to remember, but it helps you feel more confident too.
- Familiarise with practice
Become familiar with the content and timing of your speech with frequent practicing. Include practice onto a mobile device and in front of a couple of carefully chosen friendly people. This enables an introvert to convert their speech into a performance, allowing them to develop a suitable persona that gives them the inner-confidence to take to the stage.
I think of my public speaking persona as my more confident (and slightly extrovert) virtual twin – still recognisably me, but with a few less introverted characteristics. It wasn’t until I started recording my rehearsal speeches that I noticed crutch and filler words such as ‘err’ and ‘so’ and a rather subtle but annoying gentle smacking of the lips as I pondered my next points. I’m now working on reducing these.
- Manage your emotions
You can control the negative and catastrophising elements of your brain, by literally visualising helpful cues and positive images to create a more conducive environment in which to carry out your performance. This helps combat the natural tendency of introverts to want to escape from a position of vulnerability and exposure.
For one of my early talks, a more experienced public speaker shared a popular visualisation technique, to turn the heads of an audience into cabbages, but I found this too distracting. However, for me, I found turning them into friendly emojis made all the difference!
- Use every learning opportunity
Treat your public speaking engagements as ongoing learning opportunities. For me, public speaking is rather like trying to master a traditional craft that requires continual practicing, nurturing and refinement. This longer-term approach suits introverts well, as they have a tendency to be over-critical of themselves and can easily undermine their confidence at an early stage.
I have found it really useful to occasionally have a friend in the audience, tucked away from my direct line of sight, who can help me review my speech afterwards in a constructive way over a cup of coffee.
- Re-energise after speaking
As an introvert you experience the adrenalin high of a successful speech or presentation. However you need to recognise the drain this will have on your energy levels, so you must also build in quality time that allows you to re-energise afterwards,. Ideally get away from other people and recharge your batteries – perhaps with a walk, reading a book, watching TV.
Always remember that public speaking can be for everyone. Many successful high profile speakers are introverts and you can share speaking success with them. Follow the tips and as you prepare, hone your technique and develop your personal too you’ll find that you can speak fluently and persuasively on your chosen topics.
By Kay Heald, Toastmasters International
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Introvert Kay Heald is from Toastmasters International, a not-for-profit organisation that has provided communication and leadership skills since 1924 through a worldwide network of clubs. There are more than 400 clubs and 10,000 members in the UK and Ireland. Members follow a structured educational programme to gain skills and confidence in public and impromptu speaking, chairing meetings and time management. To find your nearest club, visit www.toastmasters.org
