Being a young professional in your field can often times bring on imposter syndrome, especially if you are speaking to a group of more tenured professionals. Having a strong accent or difficulty forming words due to nervousness could also lead to imposter syndrome when speaking publicly. Personally, I've experienced all three. Over the years and with lots of practice, I have became less nervous and have learned to focus more on the speaking part of "public speaking" and not so much on what I assume the audience is thinking of my presentation or my speaking ability.

My friend recently delivered an impactful TEDx talk on imposter syndrome, urging both me and the audience to reconsider its label. Instead of calling it a 'syndrome,' he suggested we view it as a common feeling. This shift in perspective—from a daunting condition to a manageable emotion—can be transformative. Recognizing it as just another feeling we navigate opens up new ways to handle it effectively. Try looking through that lense!

Impostor syndrome refers to feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy despite evident success. In public speaking, triggers may include comparing oneself to perceived experts, fear of judgment, or setting unrealistically high standards. Additionally, past failures or negative feedback can amplify feelings of impostor syndrome. The pressure to perform flawlessly in front of an audience can exacerbate these feelings, leading speakers to question their abilities and credibility. This phenomenon can hinder confidence and performance, making it crucial for speakers to recognize and address these triggers through self-awareness, positive affirmations, and seeking support from mentors or peers.

Impostor syndrome in public speaking is triggered by high expectations, comparisons to others, fear of failure, negative feedback, and perceived lack of expertise. Public speakers, under the spotlight, face intense scrutiny and pressure to deliver flawlessly, amplifying feelings of inadequacy. For example, a professional giving a keynote presentation at a conference may experience impostor syndrome if they perceive themselves as less experienced or knowledgeable compared to other speakers. Despite their qualifications and expertise, they may feel like they don't deserve to be in that position, leading to self-doubt and anxiety about their performance.

Imposter syndrome is rough! It's important to honor the difference between being comfortable and being confident. Sometimes we stay fixed focus on finding the confidence when what we really need is being comfortable with ourselves. Public speaking requires us to be comfortable, comfortable with who we are and what we bring to the discussion. When we lack that then the self doubt trickles in. One way we can get comfortable is defining who we are, outside our roles. Who are we, outside our working title and lean into those natural strengths. It's very likely that there will be an overlap of who we naturally are and the topic we are exploring. Coming from that place we can lean into the comfort of our topic.

There can be perceived requirements for expressing yourself in tone of and facial expressions and 'normal' body language. There are communities who find this hard, including the Autistic community who have not always found this easy to see, understand and replacate naturally. Thus the feeling of failure due to judgement from others who may not understand. When these differences are just natural.

Hot take: because some public speakers ARE imposters. There are 22-year-old guys giving speeches on helping people "find their purpose," but they haven't found their OWN purpose and all they contribute are "You can do it, believe in yourself" motivational platitudes. There are influencers and public speakers telling people how they can "live the life of their dreams" when the speakers aren't living the life of THEIR dreams. They're preaching what they don't practice. They're pretending to be an authority in something they don't have authority on. If you want to avoid imposter syndrome, first make sure you're not an imposter. Ask yourself: what real-world experience do I have doing the things I'm talking about?

Impostor syndrome occurs because of "all eyes on you". The thoughts that produce flight or fight response activate stress hormones. Then the body registers these fears in sweaty palms, heart racing, knees buckling, butterflies in the stomach. Public speaking may cause a rush of emotions including fears of failure, embarrassment, and confused expectations. Some of these reactions have their root in past experiences that can easily be uncovered using techniques involving making peace with certain occurrences in the past, when one may have felt inadequate. Besides we do not really know what the audience is thinking.

I recommend reminding yourself that your experience and life are unique when matched to your feeling of imposter syndrome. No one in your field has had the same experience or education as you, giving you a rare opportunity to be in the room and share your story. You belong in the room and on the stage!

One of the effective ways to overcome imposter syndrome in public speaking is to avoid the comparison card. Comparison is a thief of joy. It's always great to focus on your area of strength and then double on your strengths rather than your weaknesses. Assess your speech delivery often to look for areas for improvement. Lastly, always celebrate your achievements and success, this helps to enhance your confidence and by so doing you will be able to overcome any challenges during your speech delivery.

Don’t turn self-doubt into self-sabotage! Consider 3 strategies to fight imposter syndrome: 1. Physiologically, nervousness and excitement are similar sensations. Instead of quashing self-doubting nerves, feel them. Once felt, you're able to channel excitement: What if I did well?! 2. Alcohol/caffeine/recreational drugs can take the edge off, but the effect is short-term and self-sabotage because they dry your throat and make your voice hoarse. 3. What’s the worst that can happen? Write it down to see how UNLIKELY it'll happen. Then write down what you CAN control such as time to rehearse + the benefits your message will bring to the audience. An objective analysis like this prevents imposter syndrome becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Accepting that you are how you are, knowing that others love and accept you as you are. Just by being natural you are representing your community, being yourself can help. This is what a friend told me when I expressed my doubts.

Practice Practice Practice. The more you practice the more confident you are and the more easily you can go off script if need be. There is not a standard presentation style so lean into you your unique traits, and practice your delivery. It was only through practicing and rewatching my recordings I could notice the things that bothered me. I was even more surprised to realize that the things that bothered me didn't really bother others.

By feeling free to be yourself, allowing yourself to be vulnerable, getting affirmation from those who know and accept you, you benefit. As do those who you are speaking for.

Nothing beats the feeling of freedom. When you overcome imposter syndrome you are confident in your skin, able to present without second-guessing. yourself or your worth. It makes you more effective as a speaker as often, the audience can tell and feel when you believe what you say.

Maya Angelou, the celebrated author and poet, faced impostor syndrome despite her success. She conquered it by acknowledging her insecurities but not letting them hinder her pursuits. Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's COO, tackled feelings of inadequacy in male-dominated industries by viewing self-doubt as a chance for personal growth. Tom Hanks, the renowned actor, dealt with impostor syndrome early in his career by immersing himself in his work and refining his skills persistently. These figures overcame impostor syndrome through self-awareness, seeking support, reframing doubts, and emphasizing their strengths. Their resilience and vulnerability allowed them to thrive despite initial insecurities.

Utilize self-affirmations to counter negative self-talk, visualize successful speaking engagements to boost confidence, and seek support from peer groups for encouragement and constructive feedback. Incorporate mindfulness practices like deep breathing and meditation to manage stress during presentations, and attend public speaking workshops to enhance competence and confidence. Attend workshops, journal progress, and evaluate performances objectively. Consider seeking professional help from therapists or coaches specializing in public speaking for tailored strategies. Embrace vulnerability as a natural part of growth and development, and shift focus to the value of your message for motivation and confidence.