The Real Cause, the Secret Cure, and the Priceless Rewards of Success

For the past 15 years Commanding Presence has worked with professionals who experience some level of Anxiety, or fear of Speaking.

They are intelligent, accomplished professionals. And yet, when they stand up to speak they experience discomfort and anxiety -- ranging from mild feelings of insecurity to a state of panic. They experience pounding heartbeat, restricted breathing, perspiring, blushing, and trembling and so on. In this state, they struggle to get through their presentations. This problem limits their effectiveness, and often haunts them in their private lives.

The most painful consequences are a lack of self-confidence and feelings of shame. Even the thought of being humiliated in front of your peers can take all of the pleasure out of daily work. Most importantly, career development is severely limited.

The Real Cause

The chief cause of fear of speaking is self-consciousness, and the embarrassment we experience when we try to “sound” and “appear” effective and confident.

At a deep level, we know that simply reciting prepared information clearly is not "real". It is not authentic – we don’t speak that way in real life.

Most of the books on public speaking are hopelessly out of date. The famous orators of the past spoke in parliaments, in pulpits, and in large public meeting places. Vocal power and traditional gestures helped speakers to connect with their audiences – but this kind of speaking is no longer required.

Television and large screens convey the modern speaker’s natural personality. Leaders and great speakers speak to us personally, and engage us at an emotional, as well as an intellectual level.

The Cure

Everyone can reduce their speaking anxiety to some extent, and most people can overcome their anxiety completely.

Start with the basics.

Surely it’s not unreasonable to ask, “Why am I speaking in the first place?”

Where’s the value if you are simply an audio version of your written material? Why not simply hand out your material and allow us to read it? What is the advantage of speaking over writing?

I'm sure you know that the answer is obvious; your listeners are not there just to hear your information -- they are there to learn what your attitude is towards that information, to understand what you care about - and what you're passionate about. The purpose of speaking is to share your unique personal attitude about the content with your listeners.

As you speak, your listeners can see that you are concerned with their understanding of your information – and reading their response from moment to moment; slowing down when required -- and adding some simple explanations or examples when you sense that they’re not sure. Your listeners know that you want to share this information with them so that you can understand their feelings and their attitudes. In short, it's a “conversation” in the fullest sense of the word.

Follow These Simple Steps to Eliminating Anxiety

1. Think about what you’re saying; take a few seconds to reflect on each part of your presentation before you speak. Your mantra should be “Why is this point important to them?

2. Share your thoughts with individuals in your audience; don’t “scan” the group, address specific individuals.

3. Try to read and respond to your listeners from moment to moment. Fear of speaking comes from focusing on yourself. Focus on your listeners; yes, it’s hard work – but it’s rewarding and frequently enjoyable – and your fears will disappear.

For more training on managing anxiety and increasing your speaking skills to the same high level as your writing skills then you should attend one of our .

The workshop is designed to improve every aspect of personal communication skills, from strategy and text preparation to establishing rapport and overcoming speaking anxiety.

Participants are recorded 4 times with feedback from the other participants and personal coaching from the workshop coach. Each receive a USB of their video clips along with a letter of analysis from the workshop coach.

Participants will learn how to:

Master Eloquent Speaking

Think on their feet and respond persuasively and eloquently in one-on-one situations, meetings and large audience situationsEffectively use the Focus Method to communicate complex ideas and thoughtsManage their fear of speaking

Become a Charismatic Communicator

Master charismatic communication skills, such as how to "be in the moment"Make sincere eye contactSpeak effectively from notesUtilize effective platform and meetings skillsLearn powerful gestures and movement while communicatingEffectively deliver financial and complex data and powerful PowerPoint

Rediscover the Power of their Natural Voice

Assess and evaluate their voice qualityPerform a wide range of exercises and simple practices to improve the warmth, resonance, and richness of their voiceUtilize exercises to improve their voice on a daily basisImprove their diction with simple techniquesManage their speaking anxiety with relaxation techniques

Upcoming Two-Day Communication & Presentation Skills Workshop Dates in Toronto

Apr 30 - May 1, 2018 (3 places left)

May 28-29, 2018 (3 places left)

June 25-26, 2018 ( 4 places left)

Contact us for more dates or to join our wait list

Register Now. Small Group Workshops Limited to 10 Places