Then There Was The Time The Enneagram Revealed My Worst Public Speaking Fears…

Reading your Enneagram results, especially from a company like Integrative Enneagram, can feel like being completely exposed.

I’ve always pushed back against the idea of being an Enneagram 2. The insights about my relationships felt scary at first. However, they made sense when I applied them to public speaking.

So, embracing vulnerability, I’m sharing my Enneagram results:

Erik, your way of communicating is likely warm and open.

Why thank you! I agree!

You tend to focus on building relationships in your communication, making you seem empathetic and friendly.

Again, THANK YOU! I agree!

When tired or upset, you might seem angry or whiny as you express displeasure. Others might see this as emotional manipulation.

This Enneagram analysis is off. Completely wrong!

You might find it hard to talk about yourself unless you’re very close to someone. Even then, you often talk about yourself through your relationships.

Ouch…

In discussing tasks, you focus more on their benefits than on the logical steps or actions needed.

Yikes. I know I need to get better at explaining steps in my talks.

You often give advice and ideas easily, whether or not people ask for it.

Why wouldn’t they ask? Doesn’t everyone want my advice?

You naturally affirm others, making their insights seem valuable and encouraging more input.

Now I’m scared. Was that a compliment?

Sometimes, you might include too many people in conversations, which can take up a lot of their time.

😲

You’re willing to call in favors and push others to get what you want.

Is this good or bad?

Avoid using CAPS, bold, and underline in emails to wrongly express emotions.

I DON’T SEE WHY! YOU DIDN’T MENTION ITALICS, SO THERE! ERIK 1, ENNEAGRAM 473.

Enneagram Insights and Self-Discovery

Then came the big insight – my meta-message. The Enneagram describes the meta-message as what you’re really saying, often shown through tone, content, and intention.

My meta-message: I appreciate being appreciated.

Here’s the truth:

A) The meta-message is spot-on, much as I hate to admit it.

B) I chose to embrace the report instead of rejecting it.

Yes, I love getting appreciation. But I also realized that to receive it, I need to give it, a natural trait for an Enneagram 2. Although hesitant at first to see myself as this type of communicator, I now see the value in embracing this meta-message. My focus on myself and my needs, surprisingly, motivates me to help and support others. I can’t change my core desire, but I can change how I act on it.

Even as a professional speaker, the fear of public speaking still hits me. It’s because I’m human, just like everyone else. Learning more about myself and increasing self-awareness allows me to use my personality to help others, not just myself.

Self-awareness is key to overcoming public speaking fears. At the heart of public speaking is your integrity, your ethos. If you align with your audience and make your intentions clear, you’re on your way to a successful presentation.