By: Hannah Scott

Are you worried about giving a speech or presentation? Public speaking is a nerve-wracking challenge for millions of people daily. The fear of presenting in front of an audience can be overwhelming, impacting communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Fortunately, speechcraft is a skill that improves with advice, practice, and confidence. Cindy Monroe is one of the mentors helping professionals enhance their speaking skills.

From boardroom presentations to arena speeches with over 10,000 in the audience, Cindy has honed her public speaking skills over the last 20 years as CEO of Thirty-One Gifts. She’s also an in-demand keynote speaker who has delivered entrepreneurial insights to organizations across the country. Here, Cindy shares a three-step approach that can help you conquer your fears and master your speeches and presentations. 

Put It in Writing

The journey to mastering speechcraft begins with writing down your ideas. According to Cindy, drafting your speech provides a structured foundation for your thoughts and ideas. It’s not just about the principles; it’s about the stories you want to convey and how you weave it all together.

Moreover, Cindy emphasizes the importance of revision and feedback in this phase. “Don’t hesitate to rewrite and refine your speech multiple times. Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors who can provide constructive criticism and encouragement,” she advises. This iterative process not only sharpens your message but also builds your confidence in its delivery.

If you have the ideas and stories but lack the confidence to make them relatable and engaging, Cindy suggests that you “Ask for help from someone to write them out and build the flow of stories.”

Fine-Tuning with Technology

In the digital age, technology offers valuable tools for refining your speech. Once you have a solid draft, Cindy recommends leveraging platforms like Zoom to record, review, and time your presentation. 

The ability to listen to oneself is a powerful learning tool. It allows individuals to identify areas for improvement, refine their tone, and enhance their overall delivery. 

“I personally recorded my speech on Zoom, listened to it, and tweaked it multiple times,” shares Cindy.

“Also, don’t underestimate the power of visual aids and slideshows to complement your speech,” Cindy adds. Utilizing software like PowerPoint or Keynote can help illustrate your points more effectively and engage your audience visually.

Repetition and Reinforcement

Polishing the written version of your speech is just part of the equation. However, to feel comfortable delivering those words in front of your audience, you need repetition and reinforcement.

Just as an athlete runs drills over and over to ensure nerves don’t overtake performance, Cindy advocates for utilizing a voice memo recorder as a tool for practice. By recording your speech, you can listen to your own delivery repeatedly, gaining confidence and refining your presentation skills. “Voice memo is a great tool. I put my speech on repeat and listened to it,” explains Cindy.

Cindy also encourages the practice of presenting in smaller, less formal settings as a way to build up to larger audiences. “Start by sharing your speech with a small group of friends or family. This safe environment allows for honest feedback and helps you adjust to speaking in front of others,” she notes.

By using Cindy’s three-step approach, you can transform your skills and gain the confidence to excel in various presentations.

If you’re struggling with public speaking anxiety, take a cue from Cindy’s example. Remember that conquering speechcraft is not an impossible challenge but a skill waiting to be cultivated.

For more insights on everything from entrepreneurial excellence to flourishing at both work and home, follow Cindy Monroe’s podcast.

Published by: Khy Talara