Madam/Sir...I am finding it difficult while communicating in front of public gathering and while giving presentations in the meeting.

Went through several books and videos but not able to overcome on the issue.

Please suggest some simple techniques.

Ans: Firstly be fully conversant with the topic that you have to speak on.
Secondly, remember that all those around you also have a certain amount of stage fright, the idea is to tell yourself to keep focus, speak from your heart as you would do to a friend.
I always say 'relax relax relax' in my mind a number of times before I get on stage or have to face an interview... that and a bit of meditation helps for sure.

Ans: If you have done it for three decades, you must have liked your work. Yes you do get tired of doing things over a period of time, for instance i have been writing books and articles for almost 30 years, yet i take it as a challenge to write 1500 words a day every single day. You need to push yourself- ShahRukh khan in an interview said that the biggest challenge for an actor is to get up every morning and go for shooting with same enthusiasm! You may like to read a book 'Passion Quotient how it matters more than IQ written by me. Will give you several ideas to do better. https://www.amazon.in/PQ-How-Matters-More-

Ans: Dear Balaji,

Thank you for writing in.

First of all, stop labelling yourself (like you have mentioned in the above question "I am an Introvert type"). As humans our brains are wired to believe what information we feed to ourselves.

Second, acceptance. Accepting the way, you are. That is your strength.

Certain steps that can be considered -
- Know the agenda you are entering into. This will help you prepare in advance on the conversations you need to engage in.
If there are no agendas then you can -
- Initiate small talks. For example- talk about current affairs in the industry (avoid talking about religion or politics) as this can get sensitive. Conversation should be general in nature. This will help you break the ice with the individual.
- Asking open ended questions- such questions help you encourage others to share more information. Instead of asking yes/no questions, ask questions that require a more detailed response, such as "What was that experience like for you?" or "Tell me more about..."
- Focus on your observation- Observe your surroundings and what's happening in the environment. You can use these observations as conversation starters. For example, if you're at a restaurant, you can comment on the decor, the food, or the atmosphere.
- Share Personal Stories- Personal anecdotes can make your conversations more relatable and engaging.
-Use Body Language- Your body language can enhance your communication. Maintain eye contact, use gestures to emphasize points, and smile when appropriate to convey warmth and engagement.
-Don’t hesitate to seek for professional help- If you feel that your difficulty in engaging in conversations is causing significant distress or impacting your personal and professional life, consider seeking professional help. This should help you navigate with the tips and tricks.

Hope this helps.

All the best

Ashwini Dasgupta
To your Success. Be You. Be Confident
Author of Confidence Decoded- Is it a Skill or Attitude?

Ans: Dear Sudheer,
Reading books definitely will help you improve your communication. Listening to podcasts or commentators like Harsha bhogle will improve your vocabulary aswell. You need to make it a point to consciously speak during meetings . Aim for small improvements daily and keep smaller weekly goals for yourself .