This is the second post in a two-part series on public speaking. Read the first post here.

As mentioned in the first blog post in this series, I was always terribly afraid of public speaking. In school, I dreaded having to read aloud in front of others. It sent shivers down my spine and gave me nightmares.

When I became leader of my family’s company at the age of 28, this fear did not get any better. I was still terribly afraid of speaking, but now I had to lead and inspire an entire workforce under me. Somehow, I had to learn to stand up to my fear.

And this is how I signed up for the course in public speaking, called “Business Freedom Speaking Academy,” presented by Eric Edmeades. And this is where my story continues…

Fear creeps in once again

At the course, everything built up to a climax on the 5th day, when each of us had to speak in front of the others and tell our story. Everything went well for the first few days, and it seemed as if I was learning to overcome my fear.

In January 2016, I debuted a children’s book about a horse named Luke. The story talked about gaining self-confidence and learning to love yourself. Along with this story, I also wrote a song with the same message. The story behind this book, along with the song, seemed as the perfect subject to present at the conference.

But at lunch on the 5th day, I have had enough. The story I had in my mind had disappeared and there was nothing left for me to say.

History replayed itself in my mind as I thought back to the time that I blacked out in front of an entire audience. That shy, fearful, 6-year-old from my past had suddenly taken up residence within me again.

I decided to pack up my stuff and go home, rather than make a fool of myself once again.

Encouragement

But Eric saw this and quickly stepped in to help. He coached me and encouraged me. Before long, he had done the impossible. He persuaded me to stay on and to participate in the performance.

So I took a little time off – went out to town, had something to eat, and listened to good music. And before long I was ready once again! I had regained my courage, and I would soon sing my song!

The time arrived for me to appear on stage…

I marched on stage and tried to be as real as I could. Without any pretensions, I began to openly tell the audience about my incredible fear. And soon enough, everyone in the room was moved to tears.

And so much more when I started to sing my song!

I received a standing ovation for my performance, and I floated off the stage with new hope, inspiration, and an incredible amount of fresh courage instilled within me.

At last, I was free of my fear!

Why tell my story?

The reason I chose to come forward and tell my story is because I know that there are so many more people out there that are like me. When we hear stories of others just like us, we are greatly encouraged. Hearing these stories makes us realize that we, too, can overcome our own fears.

I for one, have emerged out from the other side, as a happier, more encouraged person.

May this story inspire you to reach new heights and to defeat your fear for public speaking once and for all!

As a bonus, here are 8 tips for public speaking that I learned at the course:

1. Play calm. Then you will be calm too.
2. Use pauses. Listeners can use this time to process your message and find answers to your questions.
3. Use dialogue. Talk with your listeners and let them talk back to you. It keeps listeners awake and helps shift the focus off of you.
4. Look at your listeners. Read what’s going on in the room, not what’s on the PowerPoint.
5. Cut text in your PowerPoint. It is difficult for listeners to read and listen at the same time.
6. Be aware of your inner dialogue. What are you saying to yourself before going on stage? Positive things or negative things? How about afterwards?
7. Think quality over quantity. Listeners are unable to digest too much information.
8. Be vulnerable. Dare to show the true you. It will resonate with the hearts of your listeners much more than the most dazzling PowerPoint.