Shy? Scared of speaking to strangers?

[jpopkin]

Being shy can often times hold people back. And in this business there is no room for shyness. You must be willing and able to speak to any one at any time.

I have seen other posts that recommend networking with groups such as the chamber of commerce. I am a member of the chamber of commerce and recommend it as well. I also highly recommend Toastmasters. You will meet some decent contacts (in my group we have a mortgage guy, an accountant, and several other different occupations) This is good, because you will meet a broad spectrum of people. But the number 1 reason I recommend it is that it will make you a better speaker. From talking to audiences of 100 to 1 on 1 conversations you will make a better impression and close more deals.

Don't hold back!

[Dan Auito]

Excellent suggestion Jason, I joined toastmasters years ago and it is indeed a wonderful organization, the networking is also very good as well. You reminded me (with this post) of another way to meet potential money partners and that is on the golf course.

It seemed everytime I jumped in with another group half the time the guys owned their own companies or where retired with plenty to show for it, Try playing a little golf for the relaxation, challenge and networking opportunities that it also presents! :wink:

[Aldo]

Most here are probably not interested in public speaking. I strongly suggest following the above advice for anyone interested in speaking of any kind - even if to a small group if you are truly shy about speaking to a group. You'll gain the self-confidence you need to move on to larger groups of people. But that may not be necessary. Case in point. I was asked to speak on the landlording topic of my choice to about 100 people. Bear in mind that my only previous speaking experience was asking for salt at a dinner table of eight people. Trust me, I never, ever needed Depends before that. I only agreed to this out of a sense of obligation to the person asking for this.

Okay, so I did it after finding a source for high-capacity Depends. Guess what! I didn't need them afterall. I was so comfortable with doing it that I agreed to the second requested presentation and volunteered for a third. Nervous? Yes, but not disabling.

I guess I could ramble on but, somehow, I suspect this may not be the intent of this thread. If the intent related to making cold calls, I have no need or desire to do them.

[investinAK]

My stepdad has told me many times (and I agree) that public speaking and small group communications, were the best classes he ever took. He says they prepared him for a part of his job that he didn't even expect (he is a surveyor) in the sense that he is always having to stand up in front of the platting board and do all sorts of hearings...This was one of my biggest obstacles that I have had to overcome! I am probably the shyest guy around! But luckily I had to overcome that before I got into investing, as I was a firefighter and had to ask medical questions of people I have never even met, who under extreme duress!

[Dan Auito]

I've given presentations in front of the masses as well and there are a couple of keys to feeling better about it:
#1. Have an idea what you're going to say
#2. Have 3x5 cards handy in case you lose your place(composure)
#3. speak on topics that your passionate about
#4. Listen to others questions and involve the audiance
#5. greet visitors personally before the meeting starts
#6. get out of yourself and into the heads of those folks in front of you
#7. Don't apologize for mistakes, keep rolling with the punches
#8. open up your presentation with a clean joke that relates to your audiance

It's often a good idea to give the folks an overview of what your going to say as well and then a rap up of what you said when your done, summaries and anecdotes are tools of the trade. :icon_mega :clap: :SM081:

[REIaddicted]

This is an exellent topic :punk:

While taking classes at the local university, I took a class in public speaking,, only because the other class was filled! It was one of the best educational classes I have taken. It did prepare me for what was to come up before I had the chance to graduate.

I became and advocate ( something I am passionate about). I actualy had to learn to scale down my presentations. :SM077:

I take 3 main points that I want to get across. Then I have statements that support the point.

This way I stayed focus, my points were covered, the audiance always remembered them.

Lisa

[jpopkin]

Wow, Im suprised how much conversation I drew up. I was excited last night because I had just presented my first speach at toastmasters. It went better than I had F.E.A.R.'ed (False Evidence of Actual Reality.) In fact is was fun. It's a good feeling to be talking and watching an audience captivated by you.