Have you ever felt your heart race + your palms sweat at the thought of speaking in front of a crowd? Do you believe the myth that only those with years of experience or natural talent can become good public speakers? Well, I’m here to tell you that this couldn’t be further from the truth.

As someone who was nicknamed “Mouse” in childhood due to being shy + quiet, I never thought I’d become a confident public speaker. In fact, I once wanted to get kicked out of a speaking program because I was so nervous. But as I grew older, I found my passions + wanted to share them with others, + with the help of some amazing mentors, I learned how to speak in front of a crowd.

And the great news is, you can too! You don’t need to be a born orator or have decades of experience under your belt. All you need is a desire to share something valuable with others + the willingness to put in some time + effort. Public speaking is a skill that can be learned!

If you’re ready to take the leap + become a public speaker, there are a few things to keep in mind:

First, remember that public speaking is a skill that can be learned + developed over time. With practice + guidance, anyone can become an amazing public speaker.

Second, don’t be afraid to start small. You don’t need to give a TED talk or keynote address right out of the gate. Begin by speaking to a small group of friends or colleagues, or even just practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself. As you gain confidence + experience, you can gradually work your way up to larger audiences.

Third, prepare your content ahead of time. This doesn’t mean memorizing a script word-for-word, but instead having a clear outline of your main points + ideas. Practice your presentation until you feel comfortable with the material, + don’t be afraid to make adjustments or improvise as needed.

And finally, remember to relax and have fun! Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but it can also be incredibly rewarding + fulfilling. Focus on sharing your message + connecting with your audience, rather than worrying about making mistakes or being perfect.

So if you have something valuable to share with the world, don’t let fear hold you back. You have the potential to be a great public speaker, + with a little guidance + practice, you can make it happen. Remember, public speaking is a skill that can be learned + if you need some extra help along the way, feel free to reach out to me at info@heykahla.com! Let’s do this together!

–Kahla