Overcoming Glossophobia

I recently committed myself to developing a new skill by learning to be a trainer. I believe putting the fact out on the blockchain would help keep me accountable for this decision. As a natural Phlegmatic, I am most comfortable working in the background as a great team player. I have never been afraid of work, in fact I thrive on it as long as it is something I enjoy doing. I however have always had an issue with public speaking and addressing a crowd. It has been a major deterrent when it comes to teaching others things I know. I mean, I can handle a one on one discussion perfectly but if I have to give the same address to a crowd, I literally go blank from sheer nervousness. This has affected me negatively in a number of interview situations. It took a really amazing and insightful Etisalat Human Resources Manager to figure out that there was more to me besides all of my stammering and sweating during the interview several years back...lol.

This year, I am determined to conquer this weakness/challenge. To achieve this aim, I signed up as a facilitator/lecturer for an institute and I must say, it's been pretty difficult so far. I have also recently been certified as a trainer with the National Institute of Training and Development (NITAD) after receiving several intense "Train the Trainer" crash courses. I was taught how to gesticulate appropriately, position myself beside and not in front of my slides, meet the eyes of individuals present in the crowd and connect with as many of them as possible, watch out for body language that signifies that I am communication effectively or ineffectively, engage my audience maximally and so on and so forth. The next step now is to actually step out of my comfort zone and do what it takes to truly be a trainer. The thought gives me the fidgets but I ain't backing down from the challenge. I'm going to do this and do it well; so help me God