How to revive your in-person public speaking skills (and reduce anxiety) in 2023
Even if you used to be comfortable speaking in person, the pandemic has changed a lot.
In the last two-and-a-half years, many of us were unexpectedly relegated to a home office and mountains of screen time. This meant that common in-person presentations were conducted from the comfort of home, behind a screen, and with the aid of copious notes — sometimes in pajama bottoms. I directly experienced this shift.
As a communications strategist, I spend 50% of my time pitching ideas to others and presenting information to influence decisions, change minds, and drive business. I welcomed the comfort of pitching and presenting on a screen and in my home with notes because I am a deep introvert and it takes all my energy to present. Being home alleviated some level of pressure and calmed my public speaking anxiety (which few people believe I experience, but I do). As many workplaces reopen their doors, the return to the office means a return to in-person pitching and presentations.
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