REPS Are KEY to Mastering Public Speaking Skills Fast!

No one is instantly good at anything -- and that includes public speaking. Just like anything it takes practice, it takes reps!

Allow me to share more from a recent speaking event. 

I was on an exciting A.I. world tour emceeing with Teradata, a company that I've had the pleasure of working with for nearly ten years. The stages are big, the audiences are big and the production is top notch. For anyone taking the stage it can certainly be a little intimidating! The Teradata execs are total pros and I want to call out one of them today: Hilary Ashton. Hilary is Teradata's Chief Product Officer, and she does not miss a beat on stage. She is confident, conversational and engaging-- I also love how she is always giving props to her team. 

I asked her behind the scenes -- What are the keys to success when it comes to public speaking? I was amazed by her honesty and humbleness --- she shared that her public speaking is always a work in progress and was a journey. Here I thought it was just all natural, but I should know better. In my twenty years of watching speakers, mentoring speakers and speaking myself I have only seen TWO people who can wing it with success. It’s very analogous to sports. Read about any star and hear how many times they are the first ones in (hours before) and last ones out of practice --- thousands of free throws on their own, It takes PRACTICE and REPS. 

Don’t get frustrated with the nerves, embrace them. It means you care. Just get yourself in front of as many audiences as you can to build that subconscious confidence. Practice and new experiences will always make you better! 

Hilary had just walked in for the day, but was gracious enough to chat with me on camera about her speaking journey.