Unleashing Confidence and Authenticity in Public Speaking

Written By Kim Romain

Public speaking—two words that can strike fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned professionals. Whether you're addressing a room of colleagues, presenting at a conference, or even just sharing your ideas in a meeting, the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. But what if the secret to mastering public speaking wasn't about perfecting a performance at all? What if it was about truly understanding and embracing who you are?

This week, episode 120 of Kickass Career Conversations, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Adriana Baer, a public speaking coach with over 20 years of experience as a professional theater director and arts leader. Adriana brings a unique and deeply insightful perspective to the art of public speaking, one that emphasizes authenticity, self-awareness, and the power of structure.

Key Takeaways:

  • Public speaking is as much about internal work as it is about what you present to others.

  • The balance between a structured outline and allowing for spontaneity can help you stay on track while also letting your personality and creativity shine.

  • Tailoring your message to your audience is crucial for effective communication.

  • Recognize how speaking engagements affect your energy and create rituals before and after presentations to maintain your well-being.

  • Whether on stage, in meetings, or in your career, understanding and asserting your own power and voice is key to success.

The Intersection of Theater and Public Speaking

Adriana's journey into public speaking coaching is deeply rooted in her extensive theater background. Having worked as a director in regional theaters and lectured at universities across the country, she knows firsthand the importance of bringing out the essence of a performer. But her approach to coaching speakers isn't about turning them into performers; it's about helping them uncover and amplify their true selves.

"I’m not interested in turning someone into something they're not. My goal is to bring forward what's already within," Adriana shared. This core philosophy underpins all her work, as she helps leaders and rising stars find their voice, not by mimicking others, but by embracing their own unique strengths.

Know Thyself: The Foundation of Effective Speaking

One of the most powerful insights Adriana offers is the importance of self-awareness in public speaking. Before you can effectively communicate with an audience, you must first understand yourself—your body, your mind, and your energy. For introverts, this self-awareness is especially crucial. Adriana loves working with introverted clients because, as she puts it, "Introverts tend to have a really good bullshit meter. They know when something doesn’t feel right, and that self-awareness is a powerful tool in public speaking."

Structure Equals Freedom: Finding Your Flow

While self-awareness is the foundation, structure is the framework that allows speakers to truly shine. Adriana introduced the concept of "structure within freedom," which she describes as a roadmap for your presentation. Rather than scripting every word, which can often lead to a stilted and disengaged delivery, she suggests creating an outline with key points that guide you from start to finish.

The Importance of Audience Awareness

Another critical aspect of effective public speaking is understanding your audience. Knowing your audience allows you to adjust your energy, language, and approach, ensuring that your message resonates and leaves a lasting impact.

Energy Management: The Often Overlooked Key to Success

Public speaking isn’t just mentally and emotionally challenging—it can be physically draining as well. Adriana highlights the importance of energy management, particularly for introverts who may find themselves feeling depleted after a speaking engagement.

Taking Back Your Power

At the heart of Adriana's coaching is the idea of reclaiming your power—whether on stage, in your career, or in your daily life. Too often, we give our power away by focusing on external validation or trying to meet others' expectations. But when we focus on what we can control—our preparation, our energy, our delivery—we take back that power and become more effective, authentic communicators.

Final Takeaways: Embrace Authenticity, Structure, and Self-Awareness

As we wrapped up our conversation with Adriana, it was clear that the path to mastering public speaking is as much about personal growth as it is about presentation skills. By knowing yourself, embracing structure, and managing your energy, you can approach public speaking with confidence and authenticity.

And remember, public speaking isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about bringing forward the best version of yourself—one that’s already within you, just waiting to take the stage.

Want to learn more from Adriana?

  • Visit her website: claimcenterstage.com for free tools, including a grounding meditation, and information on one-on-one coaching, team trainings, and online courses.

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Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting your journey, remember: the power to command the stage is already within you.

Kim Romain
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