Own the Spotlight.
Own the Spotlight – practical strategies small business owners can use to turn public speaking from dread to delight, emphasizing the power of storytelling and authentic communication.
In this episode, Henry Lopez speaks with Linda Ugelow, author of Delight in the Limelight and an expert speaking confidence coach, about overcoming the fear of public speaking.
Linda shares her personal journey from anxiety to mastery, highlighting how past experiences, especially in childhood, often create deep-rooted fears.
She reveals practical strategies entrepreneurs can use to turn public speaking from dread to delight, emphasizing the power of storytelling and authentic communication.
Linda also introduces her proven “7 Preparation Rituals,” designed to reduce anxiety and help speakers deliver impactful presentations. Tune in to learn actionable techniques to boost your speaking confidence and authentically connect with your audience.
Own the Spotlight – Q&A:
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How can small business owners overcome public speaking fears?
Small business owners can overcome speaking fears by identifying the root cause of their anxiety, using storytelling to engage authentically, and preparing effectively through visualization. -
Why is storytelling important in public speaking?
Storytelling creates authentic connections, captures audience attention, and helps speakers overcome fears by shifting focus from self-consciousness to delivering valuable messages. -
What are effective public speaking preparation techniques?
Effective techniques include visualization, understanding potential challenges, healing past speaking traumas, voice training, and practical rehearsal strategies.
Episode Host: Henry Lopez is a serial entrepreneur, small business coach, and the host of this episode of The How of Business podcast show – dedicated to helping you start, run and grow your small business.
Resources:
FREE DOWNLOAD: The Speaker Preparation Checklist – 7 Practices to Reduce Speaking Anxiety
Books mentioned in this episode:
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Sponsor:
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AI Summary:
The following is a AI Summary of this episode.
Overcoming Public Speaking Fear for Entrepreneurs
Henry introduces Linda Ugelow, a speaking confidence coach and author of “Delight in the Limelight.” They discuss the importance of overcoming fear in public speaking and communication for entrepreneurs and professionals. Linda, who previously struggled with public speaking fear herself, now helps others transform their speaking experience from dread to delight. The conversation is aimed at aspiring and existing small business owners who may be held back by fear of failure or difficulty with sales and self-promotion.
Linda’s Journey to Business Coaching
Linda discussed her early career as a dance movement therapist and her subsequent exploration of various fields, including organic gardening and natural vision improvement. She then shared her experience of co-farming and starting her own farm business, which led her to discover the concept of business coaching. Inspired by Marie Forleo’s B School course, Linda decided to pursue coaching as a career, driven by a desire to make a significant impact.
Overcoming Public Speaking Fear
Linda discussed her struggles with public speaking and her attempts to overcome her fear. She tried various techniques such as deep breathing, affirmations, and meditation, but found them unsustainable. After realizing the root cause of her fear was the belief that she would be attacked, she recalled memories of being attacked by her sisters when she was the center of attention. She then developed a new approach to overcome her fear, which she found effective in just five days.
Origins of Fear of Public Speaking
Linda and Henry discussed the origins of fear of speaking, with Linda suggesting that it often stems from past experiences, particularly in childhood. They also touched on the impact of the school system in shaping this fear, with Linda noting that it often conditions students to avoid mistakes and view failure as negative. Henry and Linda agreed that this mindset can persist even after leaving school, affecting individuals’ confidence in public speaking.
Linda’s Coaching for Public Speaking
Linda and Henry discussed Linda’s 10-year experience in helping people overcome their fear of public speaking. Linda explained her coaching methods, which include private coaching and an accelerator program with three tracks: revealing and healing past experiences, practicing speaking skills, and voice training. They also discussed the importance of developing confidence in communication for business owners, as it allows them to connect with their audience authentically and express their business’s story.
Overcoming Public Speaking Fears
Linda and Henry discussed the challenges of public speaking, particularly overcoming fear and imposter syndrome. Linda emphasized the importance of storytelling in engaging audiences and shared her experiences with clients who struggle with stage fright. Henry shared his own experiences with fear, attributing it to his father’s criticism. Linda suggested that past experiences, such as ridicule or pressure to perform, can trigger these fears. They agreed that these fears are deeply rooted and can be difficult to overcome, but they also acknowledged the potential benefits of storytelling in public speaking.
Overcoming Public Speaking Fears
Linda and Henry discussed strategies to overcome public speaking fears. Linda emphasized the importance of understanding the root cause of these fears, which often stem from past experiences. She suggested that by owning and healing these stories, individuals can overcome their fears. Henry asked about leveraging storytelling in public speaking to overcome fear, and Linda clarified that this should be done in a safe space. They also discussed the technique of acknowledging nervousness during a presentation, which can have mixed results. Lastly, they touched upon the idea of revisiting past negative speaking experiences to understand and learn from them, rather than letting them fuel fear.
Public Speaking Preparation Techniques
Linda and Henry discussed the challenges of following a previous speaker and the importance of preparation for public speaking. Linda shared her 7 Preparation Rituals to reduce anxiety before speaking, including visualization techniques to enhance performance. They emphasized the need to visualize not only the desired outcome but also potential challenges and how to handle them with composure. Henry agreed to review the rituals and apply them to his upcoming meetings.
Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking
Henry and Linda discussed the book “Delight in the Limelight” by Linda, which aims to help individuals overcome their fear of public speaking. The book is available for download on Linda’s website, and a free chapter can also be accessed. Linda emphasized that the book is a guide to help individuals understand and heal their fear of speaking, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.