How do you regain confidence in public speaking?

Sometimes the most seasoned executives, those who have built careers on strong communication skills, find themselves facing an unexpected adversary: nerves in public speaking. Today, we delve into this less spoken about topic and uncover why even the most confident speakers might suddenly feel shaky before an audience.

The Unsettling Shift from Confidence to Nervousness

Imagine reaching a pinnacle in your career where public speaking has become second nature, only to be blindsided by a sudden bout of nerves. It's a jarring reality for many in senior positions. They're puzzled and stressed, facing nervousness not just before large crowds but even intimate boardrooms. It’s a phenomenon that's perplexing but not uncommon.

Hormonal Changes: The Invisible Culprit Behind the Curtain

What many don't realize is that as we progress in our careers and lives, our bodies undergo changes that can affect our mental state. Hormones have a larger role than we often acknowledge. For women, menopause introduces a hormonal roller coaster affecting confidence, clarity of thought, and even inducing anxiety. Men aren't spared, with andropause bringing its own set of challenges, altering confidence and energy levels.

Menopause and Andropause: A Deep Dive into Hormonal Impact

For women, the ebb and flow of estrogen and progesterone during menopause can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Progesterone’s calming effects wane, and with them, our natural stress buffer diminishes. For men, the decrease in testosterone during andropause can fundamentally alter day-to-day feelings and performance under pressure.

Identifying the Symptoms: The Struggle is Real

Women might find themselves grappling with memory lapses, recalling words, or losing their train of thought, which can be incredibly distressing. Increased anxiety, mood swings, and fatigue can make it tough to deliver presentations with the usual vigor. Men, too, may find these symptoms familiar, and acknowledging them is the first step towards managing them.

Navigating the Digital Age: Technology and Generational Dynamics

Beyond hormones, the relentless pace of technological change and a shift in corporate culture can exacerbate feelings of obsolescence. For executives who cut their teeth in a different era, the fear of seeming outdated can be daunting, affecting not just their self-image but also their public speaking confidence.

Breathwork: A Foundation for Regaining Control

Breathwork is more than a relaxation technique—it's a tool for empowerment. Starting with a simple "shhh" exhale to engage the core, leaders can learn to ground their breath, clear their thoughts, and find their pace. Breathing techniques can be practiced silently and privately, offering a quick fix for pre-speech jitters or a deep dive into calming the nervous system.

The Mental Game: Affirmations and Mindset

The power of positive thinking isn't just a cliché. Affirmations serve as a reminder of past successes and achievements, bolstering self-confidence. Rewriting the internal narrative from one of doubt to one of certainty can be transformative.

Lifelong Learning: The Antidote to Stagnation

One surefire way to combat these fears is continuous learning. Whether it’s through working with a speaking coach, attending workshops, or simply staying abreast of current trends, maintaining a student's mindset keeps skills sharp and confidence high.

The Role of Community: Sharing Experiences and Strategies

Talking about these challenges with peers can be enlightening and comforting. It's a shared journey, and the community can offer strategies that might have worked for others.

Embracing the Journey: From Anxiety to Assurance

Confronting this unexpected nervousness head-on with practical tools and community support is essential. This phase, while challenging, is transient. By continuously honing skills and building a 'badass list' of achievements, leaders can remind themselves of their worth and rekindle their innate confidence.

Remember, these waves of self-doubt and anxiety are temporary. With the right approach, you'll navigate through this phase and emerge as a more resilient leader. Keep pushing forward, stay curious, and always reach out for support when you need it.

Thanks for engaging with our conversation on reclaiming confidence in public speaking. Here's to making your next presentation as impactful as your voice deserves to be.