A few weeks ago, I received a LinkedIn message from Fred, who asked me, “How did you become such a skilled speaker? I hope to reach that level someday.” Well, let me tell you, my journey wasn’t your usual overnight success story.
“Too many people spend too much time trying to perfect something before they actually do it. Instead of waiting for perfection, run with what you got, and fix it along the way…” – Paul Arden
Back in college, like most folks, I found myself enrolled in public speaking, and then to add to my misery I enrolled in a debate class. Those classes were tough and awkward, but it was my political science classes that really threw me into the deep end. Picture it: a room full of eager minds, firing off arguments like rapid-fire rounds. There I was, just trying to keep up, defending my points against some of the sharpest minds on campus. It was like being in the middle of a real-life documentary on the art of verbal combat.
What came next pushed me even further outside my comfort zone and taught me so much. After college, I spent over a decade immersed in the intermodal industry, working at IMC Companies headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. It was here that I truly honed my public speaking skills, albeit out of sheer necessity. Around five years into the job, fresh out of graduate school, I found myself thrust into the role of Manager of Driver Services. This department handled everything from payroll check disbursements for owner-operators to over-the-road repairs on steamship-owned equipment… containers and chassis.
Now, that might sound straightforward enough, but it doesn’t quite capture the weight of responsibility that my team and I carried within the company. In this position, I quickly learned that I had to command respect and speak with authority, or risk being ineffective as a manager. And let me tell you, being a young, female manager of a predominantly male workforce presented its own set of challenges. There was no time for self-doubt or hesitation. Our department operated in a constant state of crisis management, whether it was handling paycheck deductions or coordinating repairs/load recoveries from major accidents. I had to find my voice and use it to not only get the job done but also to keep our drivers calm and focused on our company’s objectives.
Every day was a learning experience, but I can confidently say that this job prepared me for anything that came my way in the future. It taught me the importance of speaking up and standing my ground, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Now, onto some tips for mastering the art of public speaking:
1️⃣ Speak about what you know and love. Confidence comes naturally when you’re passionate about your subject matter.
2️⃣ Practice, practice, practice. Whether it’s in front of a mirror or on camera, getting comfortable with how you look and sound while speaking is crucial.
3️⃣ Remember to take a deep breath and maintain eye contact. It’s amazing how a moment of calm can enhance your presence on stage.
Bonus. Don’t wait. Simply start. No one gets better from waiting.
And finally, folks, don’t sweat it too much. You’re not going to melt under the spotlight, and nobody expects you to be as funny as Jimmy Fallon. Just take that first step and get started – that’s the most important thing.
Wanting to dive deeper into public speaking or have an event coming up soon? Book a FREE call with me to find out how I can help you control your fears and empower you to step up to the mic with confidence.
SANDY ADAMS 