You might be one of the millions of people who are living with glossophobia, which is a fear of public speaking. While many people say they would rather jump out of an airplane than give a speech, Jonathan Bias says giving a talk in front of an audience goes beyond reciting words – it’s a tool that enables leaders to inspire generations and can change the world for good.
Jonathan Bias
Cracking The Code To Public Speaking
At 14 years old, Bias quickly overcame his fear of speaking when he stepped onto the stage in a high school drama class. In 2014, the award-winning speaker founded Elite Speech Coaching to help people express themselves confidently in every environment. While speaking in public is an integral part of life and business, Bias says many people don’t like to do it because of code-switching. “This is the belief that individuals must assume a persona that is not their own when speaking publicly,” he says. Rather than creating a new persona, Bias emphasizes the importance of mastering yourself. “It’s not just about how you speak on grand stages under bright lights – your speaking starts with everyday interactions such as ordering coffee or chatting with a cashier.”
Jonathan Bias
How To Improve Your Communication Style
With that in mind, Bias shares three tips for mastering public speaking that anyone can start right now.
- Embrace Uncomfortable Speaking Environments: Place yourself in various speaking situations, especially those that make you uncomfortable. This includes conversing with strangers and even taking the stage at a karaoke night. Pushing beyond comfort zones is central to growth.
- Practice and Participation: Actively seek opportunities to speak, such as raising your hand in meetings or participating in discussions. Consistent practice leads to improvement.
- Read Everything You Can: Consume diverse content to enrich your knowledge and enhance your conversational abilities. Reading not only equips us with topics for discussion but also enhances information retention.
Jonathan Bias
Why Public Speaking Is Important For Business
Bias says following these tips will improve your small talk and make you more interesting at your next work meeting. “Public appearances are also good for creating connections and boosting your bottom line,” he says. “When you speak on stage, not only do you build confidence in yourself, but you also build others’ confidence in you. Humans perceive a public speaker as an authority in their field. It also allows you to network with an exclusive group of people – other speakers.
