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oes the idea of giving a talk to many people turn you into a sweaty mess? I’ve been pushing myself to do a bit of public speaking. But my heart pounds, my hands shake and I race through whatever I’m


going to say at breakneck speed. I feel so nervous that I just want to get out of there as quickly as possible. Yet I understand how important the skill of public speaking


is to raising your profile as a journalist, especially when you’re running your own freelance business and want to provide training sessions or run workshops and webinars. Speaking at events can attract new clients – and boost your income. Caroline Goyder is an expert speaker, voice trainer and


author whose clients range from government ministers and journalists to businesses such as Netflix. Goyder says: “As a journalist, you have a position of


authority. But when you’re in front of an audience, you’re in a place of vulnerability. The audience has a lot of power to judge you, and this power shift can be frightening. Public speaking is scary for so many people but it doesn’t have to be. You can learn to make your public moments feel positive rather than rabbit in the headlights. “Everyone gets nervous sometimes. Even Helen Mirren gets


shaky hands when she has to make a speech. It’s strangely calming to know that these feelings are ubiquitous; they are human. And when you normalise your nerves, you can use them to power you, not panic you. “If you can have a relaxed conversation with two people, then, with the right skills in place, you can have a relaxed conversation with 200. “For journalists, the mind is a powerful instrument. But it’s


likely to sabotage your talk if you don’t calm it down. “About 15 minutes before your talk, find a quiet place so you can calm your nervous system. Turn off devices, tune


into body and breath. Come back to your senses – the air on your face, the clothes on your skin. Straighten up, ears over shoulders, and focus on what you can see, hear and feel in your senses to calm you, and quieten the brain. If you get butterflies, welcome them – it’s OK to feel nervous.”


In a different league Janey Lee Grace has worked in radio and TV for about 30 years and as a professional speaker for the past 15. She now offers media training and runs a Step into the Spotlight online course. She explains: “It’s critical for journalists to learn this skill.


It helps with pitching and with sharing your expertise, and it puts you in a different league if you can communicate your ideas effectively. “With strong communication skills, journalists can tap


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into new revenue streams such as workshops, training and paid speaking gigs. It also helps to build authority and credibility – confident communication establishes you as an expert in your field, making your message more impactful and memorable.” Preparation is key, including researching your topic thoroughly and knowing your material inside out. “The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll


Confidence is still mistaken for competence, so being able to talk well is a benefit


feel,” says Lee Grace, author of From Wham! to Woo: a Life on the Mic. “Define your message and the outcome you want. Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself or practise with a friend. This helps identify areas for improvement and builds familiarity; it’s muscle memory. You’d never go straight out and run a marathon – you’d get used to the movement and terrain first. “And visualise success – picture yourself delivering a successful speech. Visualisation can mentally prepare you for a positive outcome.”


Speaku


Public speaking raises your profile and can open up new work opportunities. Linda Harrison reports


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