Does the prospect of presenting online make you anxious? After all, with everyone working from home and easily distracted, it’s tough to connect with people in an online meeting in a meaningful way.
What about when you present in-person to a group (back in the day)? Does your blood pressure go up, or do you visibly sweat?
If your answer is somewhere on the spectrum of ‘heck-yes” to “sort-of,’ you are in the majority. So, relax and read on for some new ideas.
Public speaking angst is common
The fear of public speaking and presenting, whether online or in-person, is so common that it has been academically defined as Glossophobia and is recognized as a social anxiety disorder. Glossophobia is believed to affect up to 70% of the population. There is plenty of speculation as to Glossophobia’s origin. Some point to genetic factors. But in other cases, individuals point to memories at school or work where a public speaking situation went horribly wrong. And, consequently, they now avoid and dread presenting online and in-person.
23andMe, the DNA genetics and testing analysis company, recently started tracking and reporting on a genetic trait that indicates an individual’s likelihood of being afraid to speak in public. As with many 23andMe reports, you have to take their thesis with a grain of salt. But much like receding hairlines, sweaty palms, and many other genetic traits, maybe so. 23andMe is very careful with its wording. Their report says, “Of people with genetics and other factors like yours, we predict: x% do/do not have a fear of public speaking.” Hence, the interpretation is up to you, and your mileage may vary, so-to-speak.
A TalkShop Workshop can make you a better, more comfortable presenter
So, back to the original question: “Does the prospect of presenting online, or in-person, make you anxious?” If you do, there are plenty of articles on the Internet that may help. But what will help more is taking action by attending a workshop from TalkShop Workshops.
Working professionals are continually looking for more ways to improve and learn and be more influential, powerful, impactful in their jobs. Guidance in preparing, creating, and delivering online presentations with impact is at the top of many people’s lists.
While we can’t cure your Glossophobia, TalkShop can help you develop skills to be a more impactful presenter in our Delivering Online Presentations with Impact workshop. Through a series of team exercises in this workshop, attendees will learn the essentials to become more confident in presentation preparation and delivery. Participants will learn to:
- Prepare for an online presentation
- Engage, so the audience listens until the end
- Create visual materials that enhance engagement
- Use presentations techniques to get their jobs done more effectively
Of course, a few sentences don’t adequately communicate the power and effectiveness of the workshops. So, if you’d like to discuss your team’s requirements or learn more by speaking to an actual person, schedule a consultation with us. We look forward to being in touch with you.
