Public speaking is something we all have to do in some capacity. Public speaking is a skill. The more you do it, the more you’ll begin to understand your behavior, build self-awareness, and get better at dealing with that anxiety. Whether you’re presenting to your class, a hiring team, or an investor, the ability to drive emotion and create interest, allowing audience members to connect and be intrigued by what you are saying, will push your pitch to the next level.
This week's guest suggests that you start with a story. Meet Peter Hopwood, a man who does not like pineapple on pizza and spends his time working as a public speaking coach. Peter Hopwood helps people tell better stories, create impact, drive emotion, and become more confident in their ability to tell a story.
As humans, we are interested in other humans. By starting with a story, those listening are more likely to relate to you or your problem and ultimately listen to your solution or whatever it is that you have to share.
Public speaking can be anxiety-inducing. It’s important to remember:
- A lot of what goes on in our head is not true
- This perceived judgment does not have to affect you
Above all, bring it back to the why. Why you're sharing this story and the message you want to send. Why you’re connected to your story and why others should care. From there, the passion will shine through.
Self-Awareness With Peter Hopwood
In this episode, we chat about topics including:
- Engaging others and tapping into emotion through the act of storytelling
- How to tell better stories
- Conquering fears of stage fright and dealing with anxiety
- How to raise self-awareness and why this skill is so important
- The importance of continuing your learning outside of the classroom through the people you meet, the stories you listen to, and the experiences you embark on
Helpful Links
- Connect with Peter on LinkedIn
- Follow Peter on Twitter
- Subscribe to Peter's channel on YouTube to see his work in action
- Read Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
- Read Peter’s book choice The Dictionary of Body Language by Joe Navarro
- Read Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
Missed last week's episode? Listen to the conversation here.
