Will Public Speaking Make You An “Expert?”

Does Public Speaking Make You An Expert?

Probably not. But a better question is “Will public speaking make your clients and prospects THINK you’re an expert?” If that’s the question, then the answer is probably “yes.”

You see, most folks are afraid to stand up in front of a crowd and run their mouth. I’ll bet you are, or were, also. You probably still have reservations, else you wouldn’t be researching the subject and reading this page. Makes you all warm and cuddly inside to know folks can read you like that, doesn’t it?

You see, folks who are hesitant about getting up in front of an audience, are usually insecure about their knowledge and expertise, and their first assumption is that if someone has the courage to do that, then they must know their subject well, otherwise they would be too afraid to step up to the podium.

Well, I’ll let you in on a widdy biddy seecwet.

Every one of them is scared. They have the same heebie-jeebies you do, every time they get up in front of an audience and start to talk. They may have developed a way to handle their fears, or disguise them, but they’re still sweating bullets. I guarantee you.

Many, many, years ago. Almost to the dawn of recorded time, I went to the left coast to seek my fortune, and became friends with a guy who was a big-time movie star. His name was Arthur O’Connell, and he was rather well known for his acting ability. To the point where he had been nominated for at least two Academy Awards, back when they meant something.

I met Arthur and his wife while he was performing on the main stage at the small college I was attending. Arthur was so nervous during the performances that I remained behind stage with a thermos of herbal tea for him. He would drink some of this herbal tea just before each time he went onstage, to help him relax and finish his performance.

I’ve spoken hundreds of times before prospective clients, and each time, I was nervous. These days I give several webinars a month and I’m still as nervous as a newbie. It doesn’t go away.

But, Arthur became known for his acting skill, despite being nervous. I have been recognized as an “expert,” but I still don’t feel like one. But, both of us faced our fears and stood up to be counted.

You can do the same. All you have to do is take action.

Let me know what you think of this idea.

And, let’s stay in touch!

PS – If you’re wanting to get started using public speaking as a tool to build your professional practice, take a look at this.