Profession: Public Speaker

Experience: 8 years

Location: New York City, USA

 

My Personal Experience: 

From an early age, I was drawn to the power of effective communication. It started in school, where I would participate in debates and elocution competitions. My passion for public speaking continued to grow as I pursued my education. Although I initially pursued a career in marketing, I soon realized that public speaking was my true calling.

My journey as a public speaker began eight years ago and has been a remarkable ride since then. I have delivered speeches in various industries, from education to business and leadership. Each engagement has been an opportunity for personal growth and positively impacting others’ lives.

I vividly remember my first public speaking event, where my nerves threatened to overwhelm me. However, the supportive audience and their enthusiasm gave me the confidence to excel. From that moment, I knew I had found my purpose.

Over the years, I have honed my skills, tackled public speaking anxiety, and learned to connect deeply with my audience. It hasn’t always been easy, but the passion and fulfillment I derive from this profession keep me going.

 

The Hard part I feel about this profession as per my experience till now:

Being a public speaker has been a rollercoaster journey filled with challenges and triumphs. One of the most daunting aspects of this profession is dealing with public speaking anxiety. Even after years of experience, I sometimes grapple with those nerves before stepping on stage. However, I’ve learned to embrace and channel this fear into positive energy.

Another difficulty is addressing the fear of speaking in public that many people in the audience may have. Connecting with them, making them feel comfortable, and inspiring them with my words are crucial. It is challenging to deliver a compelling and engaging speech while tackling their anxieties.

In the ever-evolving landscape of public speaking, keeping up-to-date with technology and social media is paramount. It’s not just about delivering a great speech; now, I must master the art of online presentations, webinars, and engaging with the audience through various digital platforms.

 

Things I find interesting or feel “happy” about this profession are:

Despite the hardships, being a public speaker is an immensely gratifying profession. One of the most rewarding aspects is the opportunity to inspire and motivate individuals from all walks of life. Witnessing the impact of my words on someone’s life, be it a student, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a corporate executive, fills me with immense joy.

Moreover, public speaking has taken me to places I never thought I’d visit. Exploring diverse cultures, meeting extraordinary people, and connecting with a global audience has been an enriching experience. It has broadened my horizons and made me appreciate the beauty of human diversity.

As a public speaker, I’ve had the privilege of studying some of the famous public speakers in history, learning from their styles, and incorporating their techniques into my own presentations. This constant learning and improvement process keeps the profession engaging and exciting.

 

Pros And Cons I feel about this profession:

Pros:

• Opportunity to Inspire: As a public speaker, I share my knowledge and experiences, positively impacting others.
• Personal Growth: Public speaking has significantly boosted my confidence and communication skills over the years.
• Networking: This profession has allowed me to build a vast network of like-minded individuals, creating valuable connections.
• Flexibility: Being a public speaker lets me choose my engagements and schedule.
• Appreciation: Receiving heartfelt feedback and appreciation from the audience is incredible.

Cons:

• Handling Nerves: Managing public speaking anxiety can be challenging, especially before significant events.
• Inconsistent Income: The income can fluctuate depending on the frequency of speaking engagements.
• Constant Adaptation: Adapting to the changing landscape of public speaking, including virtual presentations, demands continuous learning.
• Travel Exhaustion: Frequent travel can be physically and mentally exhausting, affecting work-life balance.
• Handling Criticism: Dealing with constructive criticism and occasional negative feedback can be emotionally taxing.

 

My suggestions for newcomers in this profession:

For aspiring public speakers embarking on this exciting journey, here are some tips based on my experience:

• Embrace Nervousness: Accept that feeling nervous is natural, and having butterflies in your stomach is okay. Use that energy to fuel your performance positively.
• Find Your Niche: Discover the topics that truly ignite your passion and align with your expertise. Focusing on a niche will help you build a strong reputation.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: There’s no shortcut to success in public speaking. Continuously practice and refine your speeches to deliver exceptional performances.
• Seek Feedback: Don’t shy away from positive and constructive feedback. It’s essential for growth and improvement.
• Join Speaking Groups: Engage with local speaking clubs and organizations to network, learn, and share experiences with fellow speakers.

 

In conclusion, being a public speaker has been an incredible journey filled with personal growth, unforgettable experiences, and the satisfaction of positively impacting others. Overcoming challenges and staying true to my passion have allowed me to thrive in this profession. For anyone considering a career as a public speaker, my advice is to embrace the journey, be genuine, and let your words inspire change in the hearts of your audience.