A fear of public speaking can cost you
Posted
Apr 04 2008, 06:24 PM
by
Karen Datko
"Fox" at Squawkfox is intimately familiar with a problem many of us have. Here's how she puts it:
"I am a terribly shy introvert who cannot stomach the slightest notion of public speaking. Just writing it out strikes terror into my heart, dampens my armpits, and erupts hives all over my body. Sexy," she writes.
She had to face her fear when her grandmother asked her to give the eulogy at the funeral of Fox's grandfather. "I knew I had to speak to hundreds of people. I knew I had to speak well. I knew I had to do my grandfather proud," she writes. "I joined Toastmasters for help."
With her newfound skills -- her description of how Toastmasters helps is a very interesting read -- she's realizing that she was missing out on a powerful financial tool.
Speaking convincingly in front of others means being able to make a good case for a raise, make a sale or a solid case at a work presentation. Also, "improved listening skills are an unexpected side benefit to becoming a better speaker," she says. "Listening thoughtfully raises the financial stakes in any conversation."
Fox's "better half" came up with another potential benefit: Picking up guys/gals. She writes, "Like me, my 'better half' is a shy introvert. But when we first met eons ago, he was pretty darn happy I persuaded him to see a movie. He says he's a richer man today because I was the better communicator."
