#179 - Speak Up, Stand Out: How Public Speaking Can Unlock Your Developer Career
Oct 14, 2024
auto_awesome
Geoffrey Huck, a software engineer turned coach, shares his journey from a shy developer to empowering tech leaders in public speaking. He emphasizes that mastering communication can significantly enhance career prospects. Geoffrey discusses practical strategies to overcome shyness and initiate conversations, illustrating how these skills are essential for leadership roles. His personal anecdotes highlight the transformative power of public speaking in a developer's career, providing listeners with valuable insights and encouragement.
Overcoming shyness and anxiety is essential for developers, as strong communication skills are critical for career advancement and leadership roles.
Initiating conversations and practicing small talk can greatly enhance developers' social skills, leading to better teamwork and professional relationships.
Deep dives
Overcoming Shyness as a Developer
Shyness can be a significant barrier for many software developers, preventing them from effectively communicating in professional settings. The speaker shares a personal experience of being called out in a meeting for not contributing, highlighting that his role as a developer included more than just coding. Both he and the guest, who also struggled with extreme shyness, illustrate that overcoming social anxiety is a journey that begins with the realization of the need for change. This transformation is rooted in understanding that one’s worth extends beyond technical skills and encompasses the ability to engage and communicate with others.
The Importance of Initiating Conversations
Developers are often trained to work independently on technical skills, which can lead to difficulties in social interactions and teamwork. The guest emphasizes the significance of initiating conversations as a way to build social skills and relationships within one's workplace. By practicing small talk and engaging with colleagues, developers can gradually improve their confidence and ease in social situations. This proactive approach not only enhances communication skills but also establishes valuable connections that can be beneficial for career advancement.
The Link Between Communication Skills and Career Advancement
Communication is crucial for software developers, especially as they progress in their careers. As developers move up to mid and senior levels, effective communication becomes increasingly important for collaboration and leadership. Those who avoid developing their speaking skills may find themselves limited in their career growth, as communication is essential for presenting ideas, leading meetings, and making impactful contributions. Ultimately, mastering communication can open doors to opportunities that go beyond coding, including managerial roles.
Transforming Anxiety into Action
When faced with anxiety during speaking engagements or meetings, it is vital to recognize this feeling as a signal to communicate rather than a deterrent. The conversation highlights that the physical sensations associated with anxiety can be reframed as indicators that it is time to contribute to the discussion. By practicing to speak regardless of perfection in content, developers can learn to harness their anxiety into constructive dialogue that adds value. This shift in perspective helps to alleviate the fear of judgment and encourages more confident participation in professional settings.
There is a valuable skill that will set you apart from most developers.
It will go from a nice to have to a requirement if you want to move into leadership:
Public speaking.
If you’re like me, maybe you think you can just hide in your code hole and never speak.
I tried this method for a few years and it sorta worked.
I didn’t get fired.
I also couldn’t get promoted or make much of an impact.
In this epsiode, Geoffrey Huck shares how he went from being terrified of speaking with strangers to coaching CEOs and tech leaders on how to communicate.
He breaks down how you can accelerate your own career by learning the art of public speaking with tips you can put to use today.
He even has a gift for you if you want to learn more: