Public Speaking: Why it's important for athletic trainers.

As a profession public speaking isn't one of our required skills. However, public speaking is important regardless of career setting. It is how we connect, share ideas and create change. If you are looking to grow professionally or personally, public speaking is an important trait.

Do you ever get nervous or shaky when you have to speak in front of others?

You are not alone, many people deal with nerves regarding public speaking. Great speakers are not born, they learn. Finding your voice and managing your nerves can not only be extremely beneficial, it is quite freeing. The greater your ability to communicate with others the easier it will be to convey ideas and improve upon not only our profession, but your personal and professional growth as well.

My experience with the fear of public speaking:

When I made the switch to industrial athletic training, I had no idea how many skills I lacked. One of the biggest being public speaking. I was now tasked with speaking at morning meetings, leading educational discussions, presenting on various topics and reporting out to stakeholders.

Often times I would lose sleep the night prior to any speaking activity. Then I would sit anxiously awaiting, just to read off a paper and sound like a robot (or so I thought). At one point the anxiety got so bad that I could feel my voice shaky and I dreaded going to work (the Sunday scary‘s were very real for me). It took well over a year for me to truly realize that my problem was fixable.

For too long, I gave myself the excuse of "I am just not good at it". Thinking that all those great speakers like the ones who I'd heard on TED Talks, were born to be speakers.

But then after speaking with some friends and colleagues about my experiences they noted that it took them a long time to embrace public speaking. Additionally, many of them had strategies for how they would prepare or techniques to calm nerves while speaking. So, I started researching.

Coping:

There really isn't a one size fits all when it comes to coping with public

speaking. My experience took a lot of trial and error before I truly found

the root cause of my nerves and was able to overcome them. Just know that the fear of public speaking happens to everyone. Some are just better at hiding it while others have found coping strategies. There are numerous resources regarding how to best prepare for your presentation or speech, and how to engage your audience.

But first you must find the root cause of the issue. Is it self confidence? Knowledge level on the topic? Do you prepare well? Just like injuries it is important to identify the root cause. Understanding why you are nervous and when or how your nerves appear will help lead you find and fix the cause.

Most importantly, know that you are not alone. Reach out to friends, family or coworkers they may help in ways you can't even imagine. If you fear that anxiety or depression are also a factor be sure to speak with your mental health professional or primary care physician.

Do you dread public speaking Or have you overcome nerves related to public speaking? Comment below To share your experience!