Have you done public speaking training?

[Wigglewigglewitch]

And if so can you recommend a course / company / person?

I am a generally confident person, happy to speak to people and even stand up and speak off the cuff. But planned speaking and presentations are a nightmare. My voice wobbles. I choke. I panic. And it’s becoming an issue at work because I need to do it more! Would love to hear anyone’s experience of training and if they found it helped.

Speak to your in-house HR team and see if they can recommend a course, you can also speak to your PR team and ask to be media trained

Also practice within your team. So much of it is practice and slowing down massively

I avoid public speaking in person as much as possible (fine on Teams now) and always read these threads for tips. Someone posted this link once and reading all of it has really stayed with me. https://www.speaking-infront.co.uk/rethinking-public-speaking-blog/Public-speaking-secret-number-one

Someone telling you the stuff about practice, practice, practice won't help because you know all that. But this guy's tips and observations made far more sense to me.

Thank you! I work for a relatively small charity unfortunately (I like the job, but it’s unfortunate when it comes to things like this!) so we don’t have much in terms of HR or PR resources, or budget either, I’d be doing this myself. I’ve practiced so many times and pushed myself into it but after 20 years, I need to try something different!

Toastmasters might be worth a look. If you Google them you should find a local meeting.

I think the problems you are experiencing will dissipate with more exposure to that kind of presentation. The only advice I would give is to relax, be yourself, be comfortable in what you wear, don't cling to the lectern, move around the room if it helps, and most importantly be kind to yourself - everyone makes mistakes, so don't beat yourself up. Most of your audience will have forgotten what you did wrong by the next day. Plus most of your audience would tremble at the thought of trading places with you. GL.

I’ve always thought so too but it just isn’t happening! I make myself do it as frequently as possible - but it’s been years of trying and it’s not getting any easier, if anything it is getting worse as I’m getting frustrated with myself!

I’m at a relatively senior level career wise but there is a level up I could go - but I’d really need to crack this!

I've name changed for this as it could be outing if linked to my other posts but I'd recommend this person.

www.vanessacuddeford.com/home1

She lives near me but I know she does her magic via online live courses. Not sure if it's group or one-to-one but have a gander. I honestly think she could help you overcome this particular challenge.

Thinking outside the box - have you considered trying a voice coach?

My ds is a brilliant public speaker - despite being a very self conscious teenager! His trick apparently is to speak to the back wall of the room. That way he projects his voice well but doesn’t get distracted by, or start thinking about, members of the audience. To be fair though he does have private lessons.

Toastmasters is a nice organisation. My husband did their Competent Toastmasters Course and it made a world of difference. Go at your own pace. Get real practice.

I can't remember the name of the trainer or company, but by far the most helpful part was the bit I was dreading: they filmed us giving a short presentation and made us watch it back. I was seriously considering leaving at lunch so I didn't have to watch the tape, but of course I stayed... and realised so much of my fear was unfounded. I knew my voice had been shaking but couldn't hear any sign of it in the tape. I didn't look sweaty and nervous and uncomfortable.

So I'd say set up a camera or get someone to film you and watch it back.

No, I had to learn by doing. If you use the reflect - review - do cycle it gets easier. Plus practicing in front of a willing victim helps too. You will need to do this anyway even if you get training. There are some good videos on You Tube.

I’m similar to you by the sounds of it and I did quite a good course on Udemy by Alexa Fischer.

It was a bit cheesy in parts, but really helped me to ‘visualise’ myself presenting well, how to prepare, how to structure a presentation, and how to target it towards the audience to keep them engaged etc.