Public Speaking - Overcoming Anxiety
Client Organisation:
NHS
Position:
Department Manager
Context:
Whilst undergoing assessment as part of a leadership development programme the client was savagely criticised by course tutors over her presentation style. The intention of the particularly harsh criticism, which was delivered mid presentation in front of the entire group, was not revealed. The client reported that almost instantly she felt nervous at the prospect of speaking again. Over a matter of weeks and months this escalated into a full blown fear of public speaking.
Objectives:
To eliminate the fear of public speaking. Also the client indicated during consultation, that she would like to be more confident in delivering her ideas in meetings and in particular being more comfortable in disagreeing with the ideas of other leaders where appropriate. To instill a sense of confidence in constructively challenging other leaders opinions.
Format & Duration:
1 face to face session of around 2 to 3 hours with an e-mail follow up with exercises to practice alone. NLP coaching tools were applied to eliminate the fear of public speaking. Specifically, New Code 'State Building Games' to develop a powerful resource state and link to public speaking.
In addition there was some brief coaching on structuring and sequencing presentations using the '4MAT system' (a presentation skills tool) to engage and maintain audience interest. Follow up support was provided by e-mail with a number of self application exercises that could be practised to build skills in managing state.
Outcomes:
The client reported that the next presentation, a week after the face to face coaching session, she felt calm. Mid presentation there was a moment of nervousness but that instantly subsided. She also reported more confidence and assertiveness in delivering her opinions to peers. In particular she expressed her own surprise at how readily she accepted a colleagues invitation to deliver her ideas to a peer group audience - something she would have previously steered well clear of.
Comments:
Public speaking is the number one fear amongst professionals in the UK. Very few people are entirely confident when it comes to addressing an audience of strangers. Some people struggle to address an audience of colleagues or even friends.
In this particular case the client did not have a strong fear of public speaking until after receiving public criticism over her presentation style. Whatever the intentions of the tutor delivering the feedback were they were no doubt positive and that's why this case is interesting. It demonstrates how important it is to tailor feedback to the inidividual, whilst the tough love approach may work for some it doesn't work for all.
In coaching there is a golden rule of thumb - never leave your client in a worse position than when you started. This is as relevant to any leader whether they're trying to inspire, develop or manage their team it isn't enough to just point out the problems.
Fortunately whilst public speaking is a number one fear amongst professionals and executives it's also a pretty quick and painless fix.