Why the 2024 Election SEASON is THE PERFECT time to become a confident Public speaker
It’s an election year! Here’s why election time is the best time to become a better speaker. (And how you can do it.)
ps: It’s about 500x easier than attempting stand-up comedy.
Stand-up’s not your thing? Good. I have an easier way to build your confidence.
We’re in an election year – and it’s the perfect time to become a confident speaker.
Volunteering during election time is a great way to be a part of the democratic process AND build your public speaking skills at the same time. I make calls to get out the vote at election time, and it’s rewarding, fun, and I build my confidence each time. (ps - it’s easier than attempting stand-up comedy - see me doing that in the nearby pic.)
See me making calls below.
If you’re thinking, “nuh-uh, no way!” Allow me to bust a couple of myths about volunteering during election time:
Myth 1: “If I sign up to campaign, I have to argue with people of the other party and convince them to vote for my candidate.”
Reality: Nope! Campaigning or getting out the vote is simply speaking to people - that’s it. In the work I’ve done, if they don’t want to talk, then you don’t talk.Myth 2: “I’ll get a lot of people yelling at me because they don’t like [my cause/candidate/people calling them]”
Reality: On the contrary, you’ll find a lot of people share your passion, and most people are polite. I’ve connected with folks who didn’t want to talk who were polite about it. Yes, you get the very rare angry phone-answerer, but you move on.
I made calls asking people to vote. The experience is more fun + rewarding than you might think. You have a support team, and you get to meet other civic-minded folks. ps - it builds your confidence!
The benefits of volunteering in an election cycle – and how it boosts your public speaking skills:
Your confidence grows.
Talking to people you don’t know, whether in-person, or over the phone, builds your speaking muscle. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Personally, I love when I make a connection and the other person shares their story with me. I’ve heard stories about why people care about voting, or why they went early, or why they are so passionate in any given year.You get to practice persuasive speaking in a supportive environment.
Yes, some people will hang up, or ignore your pleas to stop by the table. It’s all part of the process. For me, it’s made dealing with rejection easier. AND. The rejections, the “no thanks” and the people ignoring me have STILL built my confidence.
In these scenarios, you are either online or in person with a team of people, and you have a leader who is there to support you. Volunteering with a group doesn’t feel so alone, and honestly, it’s fun.
Watch my video above. You can tell I feel a little shaken when someone tells me they don’t want to talk - but I keep on going. Volunteering = great preparation for life.You build the “speak with conviction” muscle.
If you’re volunteering and talking to people, you likely care about your cause. I’m passionate about voting, which is why I urge people to register and vote. Having this volunteer opportunity to speak with conviction helps me in my day job, where I also need to speak with conviction. (I care about my work, too!)
If you find you need to build up the way you speak with conviction, volunteer for a cause, and see your skills grown.ps - BONUS! - When you volunteer in an election year, you get to see how the democratic process works. I learn something new each time I volunteer, I meet awesome people, and I get a peek behind the curtain of how this country works.
Okay, great, you’ve convinced me! But where do I find such opportunities?
You can join voter registration efforts with non-partisan organizations such as Headcount.
Contact your local elected official’s office or see their website for volunteer opportunities. Something as simple as volunteering at a local town hall will put you in touch with (and in front of) new people - a great way to build your confident speaking skills. (I’ve done this, too, and it’s fun.)
Look for non-profits that support get out the vote efforts. Do your diligence, and research the organization before jumping in.
And, finally, if you’re eligible, please register and vote!
Hey there! Want to practice your speaking skills? Hit me up!
You can directly book an hour of time with me here. We can discuss your presentation, work on improving your deck, or practice for an hour!
What to read or hear next:
My talk with Randy Ford on “How to Write a Better Bio”
Is it okay to drink before I give a toast? 2-minute Voice Memos
For Women Only: Three Speaking Tips
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I can help you rock your next presentation. And yes, I’ll give you LOTS of practice and feedback. I have coaching on demand available!
I make public speaking easier (and fun!) for my clients. In addition to Presentation Skills workshops, I offer executive coaching and Keynote speeches. To learn more, schedule a call with me.