Public Speaking for Introverts: Interview with Nerissa
Top Tips on Public Speaking for Introverts
Public speaking is anxiety-inducing for a lot of people, but it can be especially scary for introverts. The idea of standing in front of an audience, having all eyes and attention on them, goes against the very nature of their introversion. In this interview, Nerissa Street shares her tips on how to be a more successful public speaker:
Make sure you're speaking about something you're passionate about. When you’re focusing on things you’re excited about, you can reframe the experience through the lens of speaking on behalf of those topics and ideas, rather than yourself. This will help you feel more secure and comfortable that you’re not putting your vulnerable self out there as much as you’re putting important thoughts and ideas out there. Remembering this is also really helpful when it comes to feeling judged by the audience.
Just because you’re an introvert doesn’t mean you’re a mute.. You can take steps to speak in a way that is affirming and nourishing to you, while at the same time standing up for the things you’re talking on in an effective way.
Public speaking doesn’t mean you need to have an inauthentic persona. Let go of the idea that you need to put on an act or suppress certain parts of personality in order to be successful when speaking. Try to view public speaking as a means to get excited and share thoughts and ideas that you feel are important for people to hear. You can make an impact while still being your authentic self on stage/in front of an audience.
Ask yourself the question, “How does it best serve me to share this information?” The goal of the public speaking you’re doing isn’t to please your audience - this is an emotionally dangerous idea. You need to have a good relationship with yourself and accept who you are - including the fact that you’re an introvert - before you begin to share yourself and your ideas with others. Remember to create boundaries with the audience by choosing what you do and don’t want to share with them.