Facing Fears: 4 Aspects of Public Speaking to Master in 2022

Every December, I sit down and map out exactly what I want to achieve for the following year. Setting goals is extremely important to me as it keeps me accountable and contributes greatly toward my personal development both in business and in life.

One of my goals for 2021 was to continue to share my vision of what the real estate industry could look like into the future. So, when I was asked to speak at the Australasian Real Estate Conference (AREC) in 2021, I couldn’t say no.

There was one small problem. At the time, I wasn’t particularly comfortable presenting to a large audience. However, as someone dedicated to challenging myself and trying new things, I still accepted.

I picked up the phone to my dear friend, Greg Van Borssum, who was Australia’s first internationally accredited speaker. Greg also has a diverse background in filmmaking, martial arts, competitive pistol shooting, bodybuilding and mental health advocacy. He’s an exceptional keynote speaker and insightful coach. “I need help,” I said. Thankfully, he agreed.

With six months until the conference, we got to work.

Greg assured me that like many other people he works with, I was great at delivering information. To overcome my fear and deliver a presentation that would really engage my audience, though, he told me that I needed to tell a story. “You’re heading out there to teach,” he told me, “Not just to speak.”

Through my work with Greg, I have learnt that the perfect presentation is comprised of four important elements.

1.     Mental Preparation

You need to go out to your audience with the intention of changing peoples’ lives. Don’t be a deer in the headlights. Show up ready to teach and inspire.

2.     Purpose

Remember your reason to speak. The goal is to change the perceptions and preconceived ideas that those in the room may have. Use your own story to do this, and deliver your information as part of that story.

3.     Stagecraft

Vocal intonation, voice projection, pauses, facial expression – these are the technical skills that make up your ‘performance’. Learn how to balance these and you’ll maximise your impact.

4.     Authenticity

Emotional delivery and authenticity are arguably the most powerful aspects of your speech. These will add clarity and power to what you are trying to say. Be true to yourself and genuine in your message.

Fast forward to September last year, and I was finally ready. Whilst I was nervous, it was by far one of the best presentations I’ve delivered in my career and certainly, one of the largest audiences I’ve addressed.

One thing I’ve learnt so far is that far too many people hide from their fears when the most important thing that we can do is move towards them. I’m so glad that I chose to do this and deliver at AREC last year – embracing fear is how I’ve always found my greatest strengths.

In 2022, I’m now much more comfortable with the idea of keynote speaking and am presenting once again this month at the Women in Real Estate (WIRE) conference in Sydney. I also have a few other speaking commitments lined up, and recently featured on the WIRE podcast (you can have a listen below), where I talk about Central Coast luxury real estate market trends for 2022, mentoring and training, as well as how to deliver strong results in the face of market downturns and uncertainty.

To be a part of my journey, and that of my team, you can follow us across our socials - @teamcathybaker, @bellepropertycentralcoast, @belleescapes_centralcoast and @centralcoastlifeandstyle.