Today we are talking about the JUICY overlap between empathy and public speaking stress! I’d be curious to know if this resonates with you out there, but I’ve noticed that many people who find public speaking stressful also happen to be some wonderfully empathetic souls!
And I don’t particularly think this is a coincidence. For the empaths out there, public speaking can be particularly overwhelming because of the ABUNDANCE of human energy radiating all over the place! Every fidget, every unspoken thought, every subtle shift in mood becomes amplified, creating a (sometimes overwhelming!) symphony of emotional data. This can lead to a feeling of being exposed, vulnerable, and ultimately, understandably, stressed.
And so for this reason, it can be far more comfortable and natural to facilitate small circles, to listen deeply, and to work with people one-on-one.
But today we are here to flip that script! Empathy is actually one of the most practical and impactful strengths that one can bring to public speaking. For example, when preparing to give a presentation or lead a workshop, take a few moments to really think intentionally about the individuals – one at a time!-- that you could imagine in the audience. Will they be hungry? Or energized? Will they be rushing in after a long commute? Is the workshop happening at the end of the workday? What might be on their minds? This active imagining allows you to pre-empathize, to craft a message that resonates before you even begin.
Of course, you won’t REALLY know the answers to these questions but if you let your imagination and your empathy take the lead, you might be surprised at how well you actually know your audience members! And when you know your audience members well, you can give them a wonderful experience. You can address their real concerns, you can pace yourself in a way that will be accessible to them, you may even be able to anticipate their questions.
Empathy. Yes it can make those large stages overwhelming! But it’s actually one of your most impactful tools for being an excellent, authentic, and VERY effective public speaker.
Spotlight on…. Commencement Speaker Coaching: University commencements are one of the most visible and high-impact gatherings of the academic year – and the opportunity to speak on such a public stage can be both thrilling and overwhelming. I offer impactful, strengths-based, and supportive public speaking coaching packages for student Commencement speakers, higher education professionals, and administrators to help prepare them to take the stage. Email me at hello@julieavisrogers.com or click here to book a free exploratory session to discuss your specific needs (scheduling, budget, and goals) and how I can help this year’s Commencement be a day of excitement, confidence, and ease.
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