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.
You are so not alone! Warren Buffett had a similar issue and managed to overcome it. Search for an article describing "3-steps-to-overcome-stage-fright-that-worked-for-warren-buffett"
You should know that many private equity professionals and especially senor partners get public speaking coaching before going to present to LPs. I had voice training twice before having to present in front of 100+ LP crowd.
I found it helpful to practice my script at home, again and again. Sometimes by doing a video and seeing yourself present. I always need to speak a lot slower, vary my voice more and work on my eye contact.
During the current downtime, try to come up with a script that answers the questions that you know will come up. Memorise your answers. These questions possibly are:
For external meetings that you will be doing with your colleagues later:
I recommend watching some YouTube videos with Howard Marks. He is my endless source of inspiration because he is such a clear presenter. Try emulating him while nobody sees you at home, or find another finance role model.
Practice really does help too. You may be awkward the first couple of times but people naturally adapt and you'll pick it up before you know it.
I'm literally exactly the same way. I felt like I was a 'faking' an outgoing personality during recruiting, which helped me get the job, but was exhausting af.
People have told me it's something that comes with time and practice. Obviously no one will be expecting us to get up there and make presentations and hold thoughtful discussions on day one, so we'll have a chance to ramp up. And it's probably better to say less but have what you do say make a meaningful contribution vs. talking too much unnecessarily, so maybe being more introspective will help us achieve a better balance there?
I've been worrying about the same thing OP, so you're not alone. Best of luck!
TOASTMASTERS! Every single person I saw doubled their public speaking abilities with the 10-speech program (generally 3-5 minute speeches in a super-supportive group) that takes 6-12 months and earns a certified toastmaster designation or something like that. TM groups are everywhere globally.
https://www.toastmasters.org
The best run, most effective, low cost program I've ever found.
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.
can echo the following.
most PE firms do offer speaking courses with Drama/theater schools, and I was surprised by the amount of people actually taking these courses (from Assoc to Managing Partners). These courses aim primarily to communicate on what to focus on. The best training is to record yourself (video/audio) and identify whether you speak clearly/concise/slow/confident.
For myself, one of the biggest tips is learning when to pause. Not only will you be able to let your audience process what you have just said, but also gives you time to breath and think what you are gonna said next.
The secret here is to practice as much as possible. Sounds so simple in theory..
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