The Fear & Competition of Public Speaking ? The Aspiring ...

Public speaking infront of a group of critical strangers is universally mans greatest fear. Personally, I used to share echo this sentiment. I?ll admit it?s something I?ve avoided when possible. I?m not completely frightened per say ? in the past I just didn?t feel comfortable speaking in front of a group of people whom I don?t know.

Part of me feels as though I don?t have much to contribute of value, (translation: who cares what some dumbass like me has to say?) so why potentially embarrass myself in front of a group of strangers? The risk-reward didn?t seem to check out? Much like how terrified I was starting this blog.

The issue is vulnerability ? we struggle to step outside the comfort and safety of our daily routines to which w can control.

A Transformation

I?ve come to realise I?m in a somewhat unique situation (narcissistic rant coming). I?ve accomplished my goal of startimg a career the social media landscape ? making the transformation from full-time amateur athlete / student to working at a upstart tech company.

I was given the opportunity to speak to a group of university students a couple of months ago. The speaking gig was hardly something to boast about, it was a panel with three others. The subject of said panel? How to pursue a?career in e business. The audience comprised of Undergraduate Business School students looking to carve out a career in the digital space.

Given that I was in a similar position to these students a year ago ? I thought it a great chance to share advice and maybe weave a few tales of my journey.

Sharing and Competition ~ #Winning?

Any pre-game butterflies immediately vanished when I introduced myself to the eager students ? before i knew it, I even got a laugh or two out of the audience (shocker right?).

Sharing any knowledge I may have is pretty rewarding. Coming from a psychology background, I love to help people ? ?the fact that these students cared what I had to say is a pretty amazing feeling.

Coming from an athletic background, I actually compare public speaking to competing in sport. My mindset shifted to competition mode when the panel started? For some crazy reason I wanted to ?outperform? my fellow panelists (who were all amazing by the way).

Simply put? I wanted to win.

Express Yourself ~ The Rush

Starting this blog was terrifying. Much like anything else, there?s a learning curve. Getting comfortable with sharing my thoughts in writing took time, public speaking is similar.

Surprise surprise? like anything else, it takes practice.

The rush I got from public speaking was pretty amazing.?I was shocked at the response from the students of my Alma Mater. I?m hooked ?and I can?t wait to speak more frequently.

Are you scared of public speaking? Does it get easier with practice?

Blogging, Networking, Renaissance Man, Social Media

#winning, @ConnorMeaks, biggest fear, careers, Connor Meakin, ebizubc, Public Speaking, renaissance man, UBC

Source: http://connormeaks.wordpress.com/2012/10/13/fear-public-speaking/

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