Want to know a personal secret about me?

I am slightly terrified of speaking in front of a group of people.

I’m not talking about giving a presentation to a room full of people - that I can prepare for and feel completely comfortable with. I’m not talking about a cocktail party - there I can single out a few people with whom I may have common interests and I’m not so bad at small talk.

I’m talking about brainstorming sessions or all-staff meetings or grad school classes where I have to raise my hand and volunteer an idea. For some reason, I am terrified and therefore just don’t do it. At all. Ever. Like, I went through two years of grad school at NYU without ever raising my hand and volunteering an idea once.

Phew. It’s out there.

I understand that this weakness will (and maybe has already) hold me back in my career and that I need to change it. I’ve discussed it with my boss and my CEO and while they understand and chalk it up to “shyness” (which I’m actually really NOT!) they’re expecting an effort this week.

You see, this week I have been invited to an executive leadership conference for my organization, along with the CEO and his direct reports. For the next three days there will be about 10 of us in a room with a facilitator where we will discuss personal development and how that relates to the growth of the organization. I will be expected to fully participate, share my ideas and contribute to the group like the leader that I am.

I’m nervous but am starting the day with a now-or-never attitude, so LET’S GET ‘ER DONE! Happy Wednesday!

15 Notes/ Hide

  1. nomadsoul said: i suffered from public speaking anxiety for yrs. a dr suggested behaviour modification therapy.and it sounded like bs but i was willing to try anything….now people tell me i’m a great public speaker and even get asked for advice often-look into it.
  2. xoxb said: You can do it! My face still goes horribly red when I’m talking in class and often my hands shake, but if I can do it, so can you!
  3. dailykayla said: I’m the same way…I’ve only gotten better in grad school currently b/c I’m in classes with people I’ve become friends with/very comfortable with. But I can very easily go through a class and not raise my hand, contribute thoughts, etc.
  4. yaboutthat said: I have similar fears, my best advice is be the first to say something so you a) don’t compare your answer/idea to others and b) you get it over with from the start. This helps calm my nerves! Good luck!
  5. remarkablelulu posted this

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