Public speaking can be a daunting task for many, with fear often overcoming the desire to sound confident and eloquent. However, with the right knowledge and tips, this fear can be overcome, as illustrated by the journey of Clinton Young, an international keynote speaker and coach to aspiring speakers. Young’s journey began in 2008, when he lost his properties, business and credit due to the collapse of the economy. This led to feelings of humiliation, hopelessness and disconnection, but it also sparked the realization that he had failed to heed warning signs. This realization marked the start of his spiritual journey to find his purpose and passion.
Through mindful walks in nature, Young came to understand his clear vision of wanting to add value to people’s lives through speaking. He stepped into this fear, seizing opportunities to speak and inspire. Young’s experiences have led him to develop key principles for becoming a proficient and world-class speaker, emphasizing that speaking is an essential leadership skill, whether addressing a large crowd or a small team.
One of the key hurdles for public speakers is fear, often manifested through self-doubt and imposter syndrome. To overcome this, Young advises shifting focus away from oneself and onto the audience, recognizing the privilege of sharing something of value