What shape does the resistance take when we express a desire to give something a shot? Polish.
The first time public speaker is unlikely to have polish. If he manages to manage his stage fright, his first time would be a success. Polish is something he might want to achieve in his 1000th attempt.
The first 3 times I participated in public speaking competitions was as a 10 year old. I was always the youngest in my category.. and I sucked by all counts. I tried to be really good at a time when I didn’t know what really good was. The advice I received from my school’s vice principal then was to practice in front of the mirror and just get comfortable with myself speaking. She told me not to worry if the next one didn’t work – “Maybe speaking is not your thing. We’ll have you try something else.” The next one didn’t. The one after that did, though, and it kept getting better.
3 years later, I was the “speech” guy. I was now described as someone who had ‘the gift of the gab.’ If only they knew..
My learning? Ditch polish and perfection. Go for comfortable and human. When it comes to speaking in public, I’ve learnt that it’s most important to be you. Don’t be funny if you’re not a funny person. Don’t be dramatic if you’re not a dramatic person. Don’t aim for polish. Just be you.
Human and vulnerable beats polish on most days.. in public speaking or otherwise.
A Learning a Day 