Tracey Batenburg, who joined the South Australian Business Chamber 12 months ago as one of our three directors of Corporate Membership, is no stranger to the pressures of public speaking.
In her role, networking, presenting, hosting, and pitching are all critical components, requiring not just confidence but the ability to communicate messages clearly while maintaining a positive and welcoming tone.
Despite her extensive background in business development, Tracey admits that the prospect of speaking in public was “daunting” the first time, but with “plenty of practice” since joining the Chamber, it’s gotten easier.
Public speaking, often more feared than death, is a common challenge. A 2023 survey by the National Institutes of Mental Health (USA) found that 75% of participants ranked public speaking as their greatest fear.
Known as Glossophobia, this intense anxiety about speaking in front of others can be surprisingly debilitating — even for those in the media or actors on stage.
Despite the fear, most of us face situations in our careers where speaking in public is unavoidable. Whether it’s acing a job interview, pitching for a tender, or convincing clients to invest in a service, effective communication is key.
To address this common challenge, the South Australian Business Chamber has launched a new course designed to help individuals overcome their fear of public speaking and enhance their presentation skills.
The ‘Presenting with Confidence’ course aims to equip participants with the tools they need to become more confident speakers, handle speaking challenges with ease, craft compelling messages, and deliver impactful presentations.
As Tracey highlights, “opportunities for businesses to present to other businesses is highly sought after as an opportunity to promote or sell their services but getting it wrong could turn an opportunity into a disadvantage”.
Mastering public speaking isn’t just about improving your ability to address an audience; it’s about unlocking your potential, enhancing both your professional and personal life, and making a meaningful impact on those around you.
To learn more about the Presenting with Confidence course, click here.
South Australian Business Chamber Corporate Members are entitled to one complimentary ticket to this course. Email training@sabusinesschamber.com.au
