At MSB Executive we love writing our blogs. An interesting topic comes up in the office, and someone dashes off to write a blog to share with the the world. But very occasionally this doesn’t happen. Sometimes we are all simply too busy running workshops or coaching sessions. So we thought: why not make use of ChatGPT and get it to do the work for us? Given ChatGPT recently passed its MBA exam at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, we felt it deserved a chance!

Below is the piece ChatGPT came up with when we asked it to write a Blog on ‘How to Overcome Nerves when Speaking in Public’. Let us know how you think it got on. We will follow with Part 2 of this blog, letting you know our thoughts.

Public speaking is a valuable skill in both personal and professional settings. However, it can also be a daunting experience for many people. The thought of speaking in front of an audience can cause nervousness, anxiety, and even panic. The good news is that with the right strategies, it is possible to overcome nerves and become a confident public speaker.

1. Prepare and Practice
   Preparation is key to overcoming nerves when speaking in public. Start by understanding your topic and creating a clear and concise outline. Practice your speech in front of a mirror, record yourself, or ask a friend to listen and provide
   feedback. The more you practice, the more confident you will become.
2. Visualize Success
   Visualization is a powerful technique that can help you overcome nerves. Take a few moments to imagine yourself delivering a successful speech. Visualize yourself speaking confidently and engaging your audience. This will help to boost your confidence and reduce your anxiety.
3. Focus on Your Breathing
   When you are nervous, your breathing can become shallow and rapid, which can increase your anxiety. To overcome this, take deep breaths and focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This will help to calm your nerves and reduce your anxiety.
4. Use Positive Self-Talk
   Negative self-talk can be a major contributor to nerves and anxiety. To overcome this, practice positive self-talk. Remind yourself that you are prepared, knowledgeable, and capable. Tell yourself that you can do this, and focus on your strengths and achievements.
5. Engage Your Audience
   One of the best ways to overcome nerves when speaking in public is to engage your audience. Make eye contact, smile, and use gestures to connect with your audience. Ask questions, encourage participation, and create a dialogue. This will help you to feel more confident and in control.

In conclusion, speaking in public can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right strategies, you can overcome your nerves and become a confident public speaker. Prepare and practice, visualize success, focus on your breathing, use positive self-talk, and engage your audience. With these strategies, you can overcome your nerves and deliver a successful speech.