In this insightful clip of EYL, Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal sit down with the accomplished Ashaala Shanae to delve into the nuances of speaking anxiety, particularly in high-stakes settings such as pitching to investors. Whether you’re an entrepreneur trying to secure funding or a professional aiming to enhance your public speaking skills, this episode offers invaluable advice.
Ashaala Shanae begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding your “why” in business. She shares that knowing the deeper reason behind what you do provides a solid foundation, making it easier to overcome the anxiety of speaking. For Ashaala, mindfulness and staying focused on the value you’re offering to others is crucial. She articulates that shifting the focus from oneself to the audience and recognizing you have a solution they need can mitigate much of the stress associated with public speaking.
When discussing the strategies to manage speaking anxiety, Ashaala highlights the importance of preparation and continuous practice. She advises entrepreneurs to participate in multiple pitch competitions, not just the main events but also local ones, as a way to hone their skills. This constant exposure helps in building confidence and reducing anxiety over time.
Rashad inquires about the differences between pitching to investors privately and speaking on stage. Ashaala explains that different pitches serve different purposes, and people often experience varying levels of anxiety depending on the setting. Interestingly, some might feel more comfortable on stage than in one-on-one investor meetings, and vice versa. The key is to understand the type of pitch you’re delivering and adapt accordingly.
One common issue many people face is the frequent use of “um” or “uh” as bridging words. Ashaala suggests practicing breathing techniques to address this. By slowing down and pausing to take a breath, your brain can catch up with your thoughts, reducing the need for filler words.
Troy brings up the crucial aspect of handling Q&A sessions during pitches. Ashaala notes that while some judges may appear stoic and unresponsive, it doesn’t necessarily reflect disinterest. She stresses the importance of being authentic and prepared, suggesting that knowing the common questions investors might ask can help in delivering more confident responses. She also extends a generous offer to the audience – a free checklist for pitching that includes the top ten questions investors commonly ask.
The discussion then moves to the balance between natural ability and the need for refinement. While some individuals may have a natural flair for speaking, Ashaala asserts that even those with talent require coaching to polish their skills. This is similar to how naturally gifted athletes still need professional training to excel in their sports. For those serious about closing multimillion-dollar deals or becoming renowned speakers, professional coaching is indispensable.
Lastly, Ashaala touches on the structure of a good pitch, emphasizing that brevity is key. She provides a quick breakdown of what can be covered in a 60-second pitch, including who you are, how much money you’re looking for, how the money will be spent, expected growth, and the return on investment.
Watch this clip to gain actionable insights that can help you overcome speaking anxiety, pitch successfully, and harness your natural speaking abilities to make a lasting impact.
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