As an introvert and a shy person, I used to dread speaking in public. I would stutter, use filler words, and lose track of my thoughts. I thought that being a good communicator was reserved for extroverts and naturals. But I was wrong.
I decided to do something about it. I started recording myself speaking to my phone camera. It was awkward at first, but I persisted. I would talk about anything for at least 5 minutes a day, just to get comfortable with speaking.
I even started a YouTube channel to keep myself accountable and to practice speaking in a more structured way. At first, I would script out my videos, but that made me sound inauthentic. With time and practice, I became comfortable speaking off the cuff, just using a few main points as a guide.
This practice transformed my confidence and my ability to communicate effectively. I fixed my issues with stuttering, losing track of thought, and using filler words by over 80%! It also translated directly to my work, where I was able to speak more fluently and eloquently, with confidence and authority.
The key takeaway is that speaking is a muscle that can be developed with practice. Record yourself speaking daily, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. It may feel awkward at first, but it will transform how you communicate within a couple of months.
I hope this helps anyone who has struggled with speaking up. It’s not something that comes naturally to everyone, but with practice and persistence, anyone can become a confident and effective communicator.