7 Ways to Ace the Stage as an Introvert

No matter what you are – an entrepreneur, CEO, co-founder, or manager, you will always come across moments to address the masses. Even if you hold a junior position in your organization, you may get opportunities to present your views and ideas. But if you turn your back, you might lose a golden chance. Thus, it is necessary to become a good public speaker, even if you are an introvert.

Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, and Mark Zuckerberg – do you find anything common in these names? Besides being the richest, most successful leaders and business tycoons, these people are great speakers. But there’s the fact that you might not have heard of – they all were introverts by nature.

Yes, you heard that right! The wealthiest and happiest people in the world were introverts!

So, if you think that being shy and having a bit of stage fright is getting in your way of becoming a great public speaker, you must consider the following points to overcome your fear and ace your presentation.

1. Map Your Speaking Points

Before delivering the speech, make sure to create an outline of your presentation. Instead of cramming word-to-word, memorize the key points that you would be speaking about, right from your introduction to the conclusion. It will help you speak confidently.

2. Watch Performances Before Presenting

If you are stepping on the stage for the first time, make sure to watch as many presentations as you can. It will help you learn how to perpetuate the correct body language, maintain eye contact, and stay connected with your audience.

Key Tip: Look for videos that are related to the subject that you would be addressing.

3. Embrace Your Fears

Instead of running away from your nerves, embrace your fears with open arms. For instance, if you accept that you shiver or stammer when you are on stage, you can address that issue and resolve it by consciously trying to control it. This way, you can deliver flawless performance.

4. Wear What Makes You Feel Confident

Do not layer up clothing or footwear that makes you feel uncomfortable. Rather, wear something that goes well with the occasion and the audience, and makes you feel confident. Remember to always dress smartly; it will boost your self-esteem and help you stay poised.

5. Prepare Before You Present

Before jumping into your final performance, rehearse as much as you can. Practice the same script numerous times, plan your body movements, walk as you speak, pretending as if you are on stage, and delivering your final performance.

The best way to practice public speaking is to look at yourself in the mirror and repeat your speech several times. This will multifold your confidence and help you keep your anxieties at bay.

Key Tip: Present your speech in a room full of people before the final day to reduce stage fright.

6. Calm Yourself

Try to keep yourself composed before your presentation. You can breathe deeply or listen to calming music.

Key Tip: Eat fresh food and stay hydrated before your presentation to avoid dehydration or sickness.

7. Use Your Strengths

Always use your strengths as your shield guards and your weaknesses as your last weapons. For instance, if humor is your strength, you can use it as a means of interacting with your audience. You can shed the burden off your shoulders and connect with them. However, do not nudge your weaknesses. For instance, if answering impromptu questions is your weak point, you must not raise a chance for such an occurrence.

Conclusion

Quoting Malcolm Gladwell, “Speaking is not an act of extroversion,” he says. “People think it is. It has nothing to do with extroversion. It’s a performance, and many performers are hugely introverted.”

Consider your introversion as your strength and use it as your power while you present. Thus, instead of running away from public speaking, you can master it through multiple means as it is one of the most important assets that your personality holds. No matter which way suits you the best or helps you get ahead, we wish you all the best in your next ventures.

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