I love speaking at live events. It’s an opportunity to share my message, connect with others and create an impact.

For an introvert like me, speaking in front of a group requires a lot of energy. Over the years, I’ve learned to manage my energy while building my speaking platform.

Being an introvert doesn’t mean you have to shy away from the stage. In fact, many actors, musicians and artists have built successful stage careers, despite their introverted personalities.

Here are 5 tips introverts can use to help navigate public speaking opportunities.

Practice, practice and then practice some more

Speaking is like any muscle. You have to keep using it in order to stay in shape. The more you practice your speech, the more you will be comfortable with you material, which lessens the fear of forgetting what you’re going to say. Speaking to groups on a regular basis will boost your confidence making the experience less intimidating.

Connect to your story

There is nothing more inspiring to a live audience than a passionate speaker. If you feel nerves creeping up, remember why you are there. What inspires you to do the work you do? How do you serve others? What have you learned that you can share with the audience?

Taking a moment to connect to your story will keep the nerves at bay so you can deliver your best performance.

Be of Service to Your Audience

When speaking to a group you are sharing information with those who need it most. The audience wants and needs the wisdom, advice and solutions you have to offer. Thinking about the information that is most important to the audience will take the focus off of you.

Channel Your Inner Sasha Fierce

There are numerous actors, musicians and artists who are introverts including Harrison Ford, Christina Aguilera and Lady Gaga. Even a powerful, fearless performer like Beyonce admits to channeling her alter ego, Sasha Fierce, when she takes the stage:

“Sasha Fierce is the fun, more sensual, more aggressive, more outspoken side and more glamorous side that comes out when I’m working and when I’m on the stage.”

Take a cue from Beyonce (and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to be as fierce as Beyonce every now and then?) and create your own persona the next time you take the stage.

Schedule Self-Care

Speaking in front of a crowd – whether that crowd is ten people or ten thousand – requires a lot of energy. For introverts, performing and socializing with a crowd will drain your energy leaving you feeling depleted.

That’s why it’s important to schedule time for self-care before and after any speaking engagement. Carve out downtime before an event so you can reserve your energy for the stage.

After a speaking gig, you may feel a buzz from the energy of the crown and adrenaline rush. Don’t be fooled! That buzz will wear off leaving you with a “hangover.” Leave time after an event to rest, get a massage, or other self-care activity that will restore your energy.

Are you an introvert looking for support with building a speaking platform? Schedule your complimentary consultation to get started.