I am lucky that, aside from a few pre-start nerves, I enjoy leading a room full of people through a programme of learning.
However, I know that for many, the fear of speaking in public is very real.
I was reminded of what all-encompassing fear feels like when I lined up at the start of my first ever marathon in Brighton 9 days ago.
An injury back in January meant that my training plan had been decimated and I was woefully unprepared. Also, following a promise made at Glasstap’s Christmas ‘do’, I was dressed up as a unicorn (pink hair and all).
I was utterly terrified about what lay ahead and genuinely had no idea how I would ever make it round. But as I stood there waiting to start, I realised that the girl in front of me, wearing a running top for the same charity I was supporting (
www.mndassociation.org), was in tears.
I gave her a big hug (unicorns are allowed to do this) and asked her what was wrong. It turned out that, aged 18, she had decided to run a marathon in memory of her much-loved Grandfather. But, in amongst applying for university and studying for her A Levels, the training hadn’t really happened. And now, like me, the enormity of what she was attempting had hit home.
My instinct as a Mum of two similarly aged daughters kicked in and I just said, “Don’t worry, I promise that I’ll get you round.”
With those words, the day was no longer about me and my fears; it was about helping a young lady feel she had done her grandfather’s memory proud.
It wasn’t about how scared I felt; it was about imparting all I had learnt about running and using that knowledge to help her to find a way to complete the 26.22 miles in front of both of us.
Now I am not going to pretend it was easy; there were times (especially when the rain teemed down) when it felt like a very big ask indeed. Yet, relieved of worrying about myself, the impossible suddenly felt completely possible.
As we ran, I found my mind wandering and realised how much my current situation matched what I tell people who are trying to overcome their fear of training and presenting.
When we stop worrying about ourselves and think instead about what our ‘audience’ needs are, we:
- Feel less scared.
- Deliver them the information they need to succeed.
I always recommend that when delivering Presentation Skills or Train the Trainer our members use the brilliant exercise,
Sweet Talking to make the point that to achieve a positive outcome for everyone, we need to always be focused, not on our needs, but on the needs of our audience.
Of course, there’s a huge range or resources in Trainers’ Library that will help you develop great training around Presentation Skills and Train the Trainer, but some of my other favourites are:
All the best
Frances