“I don’t like speaking in public”

Yesterday, during our professional development day, an attendee expressed their anxiety about public speaking. It’s a common challenge, and I wanted to share some valuable insights from Cat Matson. She will be presenting our upcoming virtual masterclass, “Presenting for Influence.”

Cat’s experience and advice can be incredibly helpful for anyone facing public speaking nerves. Here are some of her top tips:

1. Embrace Your Nerves: Cat shares, “First up, don’t interpret your nerves as ‘bad’ or a sign you don’t know what you’re doing. I get nervous, still, after speaking for 30+ years. It means I care and I’m anticipating awesome.” Understanding that nerves are a natural part of caring about your presentation can help reframe your anxiety.
2. Ground Yourself: Before you step up to speak, Cat recommends finding a quiet space to stand. Plant your feet firmly on the ground, standing up straight, and taking deep belly breaths. This simple grounding exercise can help calm your nerves and centre your focus.
3. Positive Self-Talk: “Tell yourself what you need to tell yourself to feel good,” Cat advises. Whether it’s affirmations or an honest dialogue, reminding yourself of your expertise and readiness can boost your confidence. As Cat puts it, “I know that you know this and you’ve got this; you’ve got all the material, you’re an expert in this particular field.”
4. Consistent Start: Having a standard way of beginning your presentation can signal to your body that you are safe, reducing the fight-or-flight response. Cat explains, “When you have a standard start, you’re signalling to your body that you don’t need to fight or flee… it signals you’re safe, you’re in familiar territory and all is ok.”
5. Lower Your Voice: Cat suggests, “While delivering that standard start, consciously drop your voice an octave.” This physiological change can signal to your nervous system that you are grounded and in control.

In essence, what Cat emphasises is reassuring your nervous system that you are safe. She shares tactics to calm your fight-or-flight response. These strategies are not only useful for public speaking but can be applied anytime you’re feeling nervous.

DCM Institute participants can join us for an exclusive masterclass with Cat Matson. “Presenting for Influence” will dive into being an impactful presenter just in time for annual meetings to commence in villages around the country.