Have you had an urge to shake things up a little in your personal or professional life? Want to tackle a new challenge or face a fear that’s been holding you back? Well, this is your month to do just that!
September is National Self-Improvement Month, a reminder to check-in with your mental, physical, and emotional well-being and reevaluate where you are in life and where you want to be. It’s also a great time to check off some of those “bucket list” items you’ve been meaning to get to but haven’t had the time/effort/courage to try.
“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.”
– Author Unknown
As a professional, growth often comes with experience in the field, mentor feedback, and educational opportunities. And, while we may experience bouts of discomfort along the way, most of what we do remains familiar and comfortable to our skill sets. It’s when we take a chance and step out of our comfort zone that the opportunity to grow and learn presents itself.
According to the National Social Anxiety Center, glossophobia, more commonly known as the fear of public speaking, affects about 73% of the population. It is the most common phobia ahead of spiders, heights, and even death. A form of social anxiety disorder, glossophobia is thought to be rooted in the fear of rejection – a potentially life-threatening issue for our prehistoric ancestors that relied on the approval of the tribe for survival. Of course, these days, fear of rejection isn’t exactly life or death, but it can hold some people back from fulfilling their potential.
While it may come easier to some than to others, public speaking is a learned skill that, with practice and opportunity, can be improved upon. Is it really that big of a deal if you never get up in front of people and speak your truth? Probably not. However, there are personal and professional advantages for those who can do it well. Not only can it build self-esteem and confidence as an individual, but public speaking can also help you land a promotion, provide industry recognition for your organization, and build your professional network beyond your current cubicle.
In celebration of Self-Improvement Month, insight180 reached out to a few speakers from past Ignite Howard County evenings. We wanted to know how speaking at this annual event pushed these business owners, parents, financial planners, and the like, out of their comfort zone and what value came from it. If you’re not familiar, Ignite Howard County is a high-energy community event where 10+ speakers each have exactly five minutes and 20 auto-advancing slides to teach, enlighten, or inspire on a topic of their choosing. Hence Ignite’s descriptive phrase: Enlighten us. But make it quick!
While we’ve had many seasoned speakers attend the event, even they described growth and insight as part of the experience. Ignite Howard County #4 participant Lori Lilly was prompted to speak as a way to gain exposure for her organization, Howard EcoWorks, and its cause despite her uneasiness with the required format (and audience). “It’s not a format that I am used to presenting in. High speed with time limits for each slide, in front of a more casual group that may not necessarily be interested in what I have to say.” In the end, however, Lori’s talk, “Saving the World with Charcoal and Plants” not only went over well with the crowd, but it even gained her a new connection in her cause – who went on to become an EcoWorks board member.
When Andrea Hysmith, principal consultant and designer at Ash Interior Designs, gave her talk, “The Power of the Pivot,” at Ignite Howard County #6, she felt a different satisfaction than that which comes from her professional speaking engagements. “I was surprised by the freedom I felt in sharing my story.” A freedom that came after some to-be-expected nerves of course.
Ignite Howard County #6 participant Larry Twele inspired and surprised with his talk “Twenty Years From Now,” a personal story about his time sailing around Australia as part of an eight-leg, around-the-world sailboat race! While Larry is used to public speaking as CEO of HCEDA, as a private person, he found sharing a personal story in front of a crowd to be the real challenge to his public speaking comfort zone. In the end, Larry was surprised at how much he enjoyed the process, and that he found himself “walking the talk” in his own life. “Thanks to my Ignite experience, I now try to make decisions that align with the message I shared: beyond all else, take care of each other.” A sentiment that aligns perfectly with the inspiring spirit of Ignite Howard County.
Are you ready to step into the world of public speaking in an inspiring and welcoming environment? Apply to be a speaker at this year’s Ignite Howard County. Applications are now being accepted until noon on September 22.
