Public Speaking

Thanks guys I really appreciate it. Better it happening now at the beginning of my career when I don’t have much to lose, than it happening later…I appreciate the advice and stories to make me feel like I’m not the first person on the face of the Earth to screw up.
 
When I first started I was thrust into presenting, public speaking, board rooms etc. Sometimes by myself. I was terrified and in addition to the mental anxiety I had physical symptoms as well including shaking voice, elevated heart rate, clammy hands etc.
Over time you grow confidence in yourself, but in the beggining my doctor helped me with the physical symptoms with a perscription to propranolol. It wont take away the nervousness and it wont make you a better narator but it does help mitigate your bodys reaction, so less sweating, shaky voice etc.
I dont use it anymore but in the beginning it was my crutch.
 
The Toastmasters suggestion I think is your best bet. Your firm might even have their own Toastmasters club so you could get some great experience speaking about finance topics.
 
+1 for the Toast Masters suggestion. I have been a TM member, on and off, for a couple of years and it has helped my confidence, and therefore ability, in presenting to an audience.
Practice is the best advice, and while I’ll agree that practicing in front of a mirror and rehearsing your speech is important. But there is no substitute for getting up in front of a group and having the responsibility to talk for a set amount of time and hold the attention of people.
Most, if not all, TM clubs regularly have guest come along for the night just to check out the meeting and see how it all works. Check out the http://www.toastmasters.org/ website, you can search for clubs in your city and find one close to work or home.
Cheers
 
When I started in this biz I was a terrible public speaker. This kind of surprised me because i am generally charasmatic. It really upset me that I would get nervous. Over time and practice I just improved, and now i can pull it off well and even enjoy it. One has to prepare like anything else. Jut remember you can and will improve.
 
I really enjoy public speaking once I’m actually up in front of a group. I’m a nervous wreck before I get up to speak but, for whatever reason, once I get a minute or so into my pitch I feel great. Hopefully the pre-speech jitters will find their way out of my system as I get older.
I saw Bill Clinton speak a few years ago. It was like watching Tiger Woods play golf, he makes it look way to easy.
BTW, I had no idea toastmasters was so popular. In my city there are almost 400 groups within 10 miles of my house.
 
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