Vice President Kamala Harris advised a young supporter on how to overcome the fear of public speaking by using an analogy involving the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Harris emphasized that when speaking in public, the focus should be on the message being delivered to the audience rather than on personal fears or insecurities. By shifting the focus to the urgency and importance of the message, speakers can cut through social anxiety and deliver their message effectively.
Experts in public speaking also emphasize the importance of overcoming anxiety and focusing on the audience. Chamin Ajjan, a licensed psychotherapist, suggests harnessing the energy of anxiety by reframing it as excitement rather than trying to suppress it. This shift allows speakers to maintain a heightened state of arousal while focusing on delivering a message that is important and relevant to the audience. Noah Zandan, co-founder of Quantified.ai, stresses the importance of putting the audience before the content, as audiences are primarily interested in what the speaker has to offer them.
Harris’s sinking cruise liner analogy highlights the need for speakers to tailor their message to the needs and interests of their audience. Just as one would only share essential information if they were the only one aware of a sinking ship, speakers should focus on delivering key points that are relevant and valuable to their audience. By focusing on what brings the audience to listen and engaging them with content that addresses their needs, speakers can ensure a successful and impactful presentation.
If you want to become a successful and confident communicator, taking CNBC’s online course on public speaking can help you learn how to speak clearly, calm your nerves, and utilize effective body language techniques. By following advice from experts like Harris and incorporating strategies for overcoming anxiety and tailoring messages to the audience, you can improve your public speaking skills and deliver powerful presentations. Sign up for CNBC Make It’s newsletter for more tips on success in various aspects of life.
