Is The Fear of Public Speaking Affecting Your Career? – Lessons I Have Learned

Perminus Wainaina

Do you often experience fear and anxiety every time you have to address a group of people either in a formal or informal setting? This was me 10 years ago when I had to attend my first TV interview which was a big opportunity for me to sell my expertise. I knew what I needed to say but I remember I was filled with anxiety. I did my best but could I have done better? Yes.

I went ahead and took a public speaking class after that and this was the beginning of my journey of speaking with confidence. This was life-changing for me and this is what made me start a public speaking course at Corporate Staffing to help other professionals going through this. Over the years having gone through this experience and as a trainer, this is what I have learned when in regards to public speaking and how it affects your career;

 1. It can hold you back from being recognized

When most trainees come for speaking class, one of the common things they experience is the fear of speaking in public. As a result, it has limited them from going for things they want.  Some fear speaking up in meetings while some miss out on good networking opportunities because they have to interact with other people.

 Some have even admitted that they have missed promotions because it required them to put themselves out there. Sometimes, it may be a leadership position where you are required to influence and motivate people but you are an introvert and the role requires someone good with their communication skills.

The truth is, when you are silent, no one will know you exist. Your full potential will never be discovered and that is why good opportunities might go to less qualified people who have this soft skill.

2. It can hold you back from going after opportunities

I have met many professionals who are qualified and have the experience for a position but what fails them from getting those opportunities is their lack of presentations skills.

An interview is where you come to sell your value. You may be well prepared for the interview but your oratory skills fail you and that can be the differentiating factor between you and your competitor.

While others try and go for that job, others do not when they realize that it requires them to do presentations and interact with other people.

 So, what can you do?

 1. Take a public speaking course

 I knew I had to do something about my fear and anxiety when it came to speaking once I realized it was affecting a lot of aspects of my life. This is why I took the class. It allowed me to address the different issues that come with speaking in public such as nervousness and stage fright and even equipped me with better presentation skills. This reminds me of a gentleman who after completing this course, they got a promotion in their workplace due to the confidence he got to sell his ideas. If you are facing this, this is the time to work on this.

 2. Practice!

Take every opportunity that is there to practice. It may be your internal meetings, a family gathering, team building, or even in front of your mirror. The more you practice, the better you get with time.

Perminus Wainaina is the CEO of Corporate Staffing Services, a leading HR & Recruitment consultancy firm based in Westlands. For more information about him, please visit www.perminuswainaina.com