How to Handle Rejections and Setbacks as a Speaker
Just as a seasoned sailor knows to ride the waves, not fight them, every professional speaker understands that rejections and setbacks are part and parcel of the journey. Instead of perceiving them as obstacles, consider them as stepping stones to mastery and success. Here's how you can handle rejections and setbacks effectively as a speaker.
- Embrace a Growth Mindset
Cultivating a growth mindset – the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work – is crucial. If a speaking engagement doesn't go as planned or you're not selected for an event, instead of viewing it as a failure, consider it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Assess what went wrong, reflect on areas of improvement, and develop an action plan to enhance your speaking skills.
- Seek Constructive Feedback
Feedback is a speaker’s most potent tool for improvement. If you're faced with rejection, muster the courage to ask for feedback. Understanding the reason behind the rejection can offer valuable insights into what you can do differently in the future. It might sting a little in the beginning, but remember, it's the key to progress.
- Practice Resilience
Being resilient doesn't mean you won't experience difficulty or distress; it means that you'll bounce back from these setbacks. As a speaker, you'll encounter various challenges, from technical glitches to unresponsive audiences. But, as the saying goes, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Each experience, pleasant or not, teaches you something new and makes you a more robust and versatile speaker.
- Nurture a Positive Support Network
Surround yourself with a supportive and positive network. This could include other speakers, mentors, family, and friends. They will not only encourage you during tough times but also provide valuable advice and different perspectives that can help you grow as a speaker.
- Prioritise Self-Care
Amidst all the hustle to improve and prove yourself, don't forget to take care of your mental and physical health. Remember, a healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and meditation can greatly enhance your overall well-being and ability to cope with stress and setbacks.
- Never Stop Learning
Whether you're a novice speaker or a seasoned professional, there's always something new to learn. Attend workshops, enrol in speaking courses, read books, watch TED talks or speeches by successful speakers. Continually enhancing your knowledge and skills can help you tackle setbacks more effectively and equip you with the tools to prevent potential hiccups.
- Keep Pitching
Rejection can sometimes make you want to throw in the towel. But remember, perseverance is key. Keep seeking out new speaking opportunities. Not every event will be a perfect match, and that's okay. It's all part of the journey. As Thomas Edison once said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
In the end, rejections and setbacks are just stepping stones on your journey to becoming a great speaker. Instead of letting them hold you back, use them as a springboard to reach new heights in your speaking career. Always remember, it's not about how many times you fall; it's about how many times you get up. Keep speaking, keep improving, and keep shining.
To download my FREE guide on how to become a highly paid speaker
