Getting past awkwardness / public speaking
I’d consider myself a naturally introverted person but am able to “force” being outgoing in certain situations. Still, I get really anxious when I am speaking to groups of >10 and have to consciously think what I’m saying so I don’t stutter.
This has been fine for my past two years in banking as much of the work at the analyst level is process driven and I have no issues answering questions directed to me or speaking about technical analyses. However, I will be shifting to PE later this summer where much more work is proactive vs reactive so am trying to find ways to prepare myself.
Has anyone else been through this and overcome natural introversion / public speaking? Or have any tips for practicing more during this pandemic? I feel like everyone I talked to while recruiting for PE was super polished and it’s hard to imagine others having the same issue.
I am going to jump in here.
I used to be an introvert with mild social anxiety. One thing you need to consider is how much your introversion/anxiety is holding you back, like it did to me. Things that helped me:
Make a conscience effort to get out of your comfort zone and do things that scare you a little bit. Start slow.
Remove "ummm, uhhhh, like" from your speech. You have no idea how much this changes you and eventually you will be speaking so confidently that your gf will call you a douche bag.
You don't have to be the loudest person in the room. I'm not. Just be the most self-assured and confident. Fake it for a few months and eventually you will actually have real confidence.
Breaking out of anxiety/introversion is not about removing them, it is about overcoming obstacles and becoming more brave over time.
Cheers.