Your coworker is nervous about public speaking. How can you offer helpful feedback to support their growth?
Helping a coworker overcome their fear of public speaking involves offering constructive feedback and encouragement. Here's how you can assist:
How do you help colleagues with public speaking? Share your thoughts.
Your coworker is nervous about public speaking. How can you offer helpful feedback to support their growth?
Helping a coworker overcome their fear of public speaking involves offering constructive feedback and encouragement. Here's how you can assist:
How do you help colleagues with public speaking? Share your thoughts.
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One thing I’ve found helpful is focusing on specific strengths, like their clear articulation or preparation, to build their confidence. Actually, I disagree with giving overly critical feedback right away, as it can discourage them further. An example is suggesting practical tips, like rehearsing with a small group or using visual aids to stay on track, while highlighting improvements after each practice session. This encourages growth in a supportive way.
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Let's be honest: Learning Public Speaking takes time. Support from a coworker can turn out to be the best thing to happen in such a scenario. Here's how you can assist: Eye contact and nod: A friend who used to get nervous during presentations recently shared with me how the nodding of my head used to boost her confidence while speaking. She expressed how it made her feel reassured. Offering Actionable Tips: Suggest techniques to improve. One way is to get comfortable with yourself on stage. This can be done by practising on an empty stage. Be a mentor: Try taking out time to be their audience, offering affirmative insights.
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Taofik Idris-Abdullahi
BSC, MBA.
(edited)Show encouragement in one on one meetings and start with introduction of task assignment by partnering new training programs that will boost the focus of mentorship in his/her daily endeavors.
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Here’s how: 1. Acknowledge Efforts: Praise preparation and clarity to boost confidence. 2. Provide Actionable Advice: Focus on areas like pacing, eye contact, and voice modulation. Suggest simple tips (e.g., pausing to breathe). 3. Encourage Practice: Recommend starting with low-pressure settings (e.g., practicing in front of friends or teammates). 4. Be Empathetic: Recognize their nervousness and reassure them that improvement comes with practice. 5. Offer Ongoing Support: Let them know you're available to help with future presentations or practice.
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Offering feedback to a coworker nervous about public speaking requires a mix of empathy and actionable advice. Start by highlighting their strengths point out what they’re already doing well to boost their confidence. When giving suggestions, be specific and constructive, focusing on areas like tone, pacing, or body language. Offer to practice with them or role-play scenarios to help them gain comfort. Encourage them to take small steps, like presenting to a smaller group first. Remind them that even seasoned speakers started somewhere, and growth comes with practice and patience. Your support can turn their nerves into newfound confidence.
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If your coworker is nervous about public speaking, start by offering encouragement and empathy. Begin with positive feedback, highlighting what they did well. Then, provide constructive tips to improve, focusing on one or two specific areas, like pacing or eye contact. Encourage practice in smaller, supportive settings to build confidence. Suggest techniques like deep breathing to manage anxiety. Offer to be a practice audience or mentor. Create a safe space for growth, and remind them that progress takes time. Your support will help them feel more at ease and confident.
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