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Public Speaking

Posted by rswallerjr • 8/25/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: business, fears, speaking

Do you have a fear of public speaking?

If so, why do you fear speaking in front of people?

If you love speaking in front of people, what do you enjoy about it?

User Comments

8/25/08

weblogian

When I was a child

[reply]
1. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  thanks weblogian
8/25/08

MadameX

When I was in high school and even early college, I hated and dreaded public speaking so much that I'd get sick when I had to give a speech in school. I got over it in college, though, with a short-notice speech to about a thousand people, and ended up trying cases, teaching, and doing a good bit of public speaking.

[reply]
1. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  glad to see you got over the fear MadameX. some people to this day fear public speaking no matter what.
2. 8/26/08
  
  MadameX
  
  I think the key is to be really wrapped up in and comfortable with what you're talking about. When I was in college, our state education budget was cut by $600 million and I was very active in lobbying, voter registration, etc. Very shortly before a huge rally, one of the organizers said to me, "We don't have any women speaking. You're going to have to speak." So I did.
3. 9/01/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  MadameX being passionate about your topic is key. You can tell when someone is, because they are comfortable and can influence the audience with a call to action.
  
  - the coach
8/25/08

weblogian

JUST A TIME PASS:

In my high school final day. I took the stage and sang 10 song. The people are fed up of my voice and songs. so they started shouting.

I just shouted back " Do you want to have a phantom mark on your skull?

Everyone was quite after that and I finish 10 songs.

High school were the best days of my life.

I was the biggest student, naughtiest and the most handsome witty student of that time

[reply]
1. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  weblogian, glad to see you were able to charm them with your voice.
8/25/08

lordiwanttobewhole

I still have a fear of public speaking, although not as bad as I was. I confronted my fear and did some public speaking engagements and it did help.

I am afraid of public speaking because I don't want to sound or look foolish, I am afraid of the spotlight because it is definitely not my comfort zone. I am an introvert by nature.

[reply]
1. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  lordiwanttobewhole, being in the spotlight and messing up is something many people to not want. with proper practice and knowing your material, you will surprise yourself and the audience. remember that they don't know what piece you leave out in your speech unless you share that with your audience.
8/25/08

ModelElaine

I love public speaking. My first big public speaking thing happened on CNN a few years back however, there were no people in the room, only a camera and I had a microphone and an ear piece on, but the interview was broadcasted life.

[reply]
1. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  being in fornt of the camera is awesome modelelaine isn't it??? cnn is even better. glad to see you enjoy speaking in front of people or the camera.
2. 8/26/08
  
  ModelElaine
  
  Being in front of camera is a source of living. Whether it is still pictures or video. I recently did a video about confidence and actually mentioned something to the affect of being in front of camera in relevance with confidence. If you are so inclined you can see the video at the end of this blog post internet-dating-guru.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-increase-self-confidence-a...
3. 9/01/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  ModelElaine, thanks for sharing the video and I hope others get a chance to view it as well.
  
  - the coach
8/25/08

rmaxwell142

Despite my quiet personality, I actually like public speaking. I get really nervous before I do so, but people have told me I look very comfortable in front of people! Who knew!

[reply]
1. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  rmaxwell142, i see you are knocking them dead. we all get nervous when we get up there, people it's how we use that nervous energy to play in our favor. thanks for sharing.
8/25/08

kdawg68

I get a bit nervous, and the ole "swamp pits" show up from time to time, but by and large I find that I thrive in public speaking engagements.

It seems the more nervous I am, the better I do in the eyes of other. Not sure if it's some sort of pressure cooker motivational thing or what? I'm always my harshest critic though.

Although I have been told by midwestern folks that I talk too fast. I think that's an East Coast thing though as to many folks from the interior talk too slow for our liking.

[reply]
1. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  kdawg68 we are our worst critics. im from the east coast as well and i think we tend to talk a little faster than our friends in the midwest. nothing wrong with that, but we also want to make sure they can digest our information as well since we have something good to say. thanks for sharing.
  
  - the coach
8/25/08

Arashmania

Not any more ... I've been teaching for the past seven years and that's the best way to overcome it. I've also done some Improv comedy and I think that's the best way to gain confidence when it comes to public speaking!

[reply]
1. 8/25/08
  
  kdawg68
  
  wow - impressive. How'd your first takes at improv go? That definitely takes some courage. It's one thing to get up in front of people and just hope they'll listen. It's quite another to hope that they will listen AND laugh. Kudos to you.
2. 8/25/08
  
  Arashmania
  
  It was actually easier than I thought... you learn to go with your instincts and have to act fast, otherwise you're missing out on a great line
  
  My teaching got much better after that experience; i kinda see teaching as an educational form of stand-up comedy ; )
3. 8/26/08
  
  kdawg68
  
  did you use stream of consciousness or was it scripted? I ask because I've thought of giving that a try from time to time.
4. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  improv, arashmania that's excellent. i miss the improv session in my acting class because i was in jamaica on vacation. well i guess you can't be there for everything. i agree with you about being in the front of the room. the more you speak, the more comfortable you will be, but it takes time and patience. thanks for sharing.
  
  - the coach
5. 8/26/08
  
  Arashmania
  
  You're very welcome, coach. I have very fond experiences of my Improv group and I think we were really funny. Well, the audience was laughing most of the time.
  
  yes kdawg, look into it. Nothing is scripted and if you get a bunch of creative guys on your side you definitely can't go wrong. There are some set games but most of it is simply on the spot improvisation.
  
  While you're doing it the audience simply disappears and you're just focused on the scene. And it gives you tons of confidence in your own abilities.
8/25/08

polybore

I just imagine my audience naked. That sorts out the nerves.

[reply]
1. 8/25/08
  
  weblogian
  
  How was the feeling
2. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  a naked audience ... that's not bad polybore. hopefully the topics not sex. lol.
  
  - the coach
8/25/08

nplbjirel

I used to fear public speaking while I was in school. What is used to think was what is I made any mistake, audience will laugh if I can't say clearly etc. and etc.

But later I found out that there are so many other people as well like me and at the same time I knew that this habit can be improved. So, I first told my self that I should improve this and developed a confidence that I can do this and then started the practice. I know I had made some mistakes in the beginning but I neglected that as normal and nowadays I do not have much fear of public speaking.

I think my confidence and practice helped me to come to the stage I am now at.

[reply]
1. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  nplbjirel, you make some grea points. speaking is like a sport, you need to practice, watch tape and make the necessary adjustments. some people make it look is, but with practice, you find what works for you. thanks for sharing.
  
  - the coach
8/25/08

Shiley

No, I don't fear public speaking. I fear being put on the spot (like teachers do when they think you aren't paying attention.)

[reply]
1. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  shiley, being put on the spot can be nerve racking.
  
  - the coach
8/25/08

Jackkiller

I love to talk only about movie reviews in the theater.That will be fun.

[reply]
1. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  jackkiller, movie reviews would be great. any particular genres that you would speak on? maybe you can start your reviews through youtube.
  
  - the coach
8/26/08

Friday13

It's not as bad for me as it used to be now that I'm in college-- my hands shake less, and the audience doesn't go over 25 or 30, and the last few times have been to groups as small as 5-15 (this is amount, not age ).

Now, in high school ... that was hell. Standing in front of a class of up to 45 students, trying to look at your reference as few times as possible and to keep your hands from shaking so as to not be made fun of? Oh, come on!

I guess it's the formality, and knowing that you'll be graded (or judged in some way) during or after the speech/presentation that causes the whole fear or anxiety over screwing things up. But it helps a bit if/when you have to talk about something you're passionate about. Words come out spontaneously, because you know everything from memory , and you usually don't have to worry about screwing up because, sometimes, you're the only one knowledgeable about the presentation subject.

... wow, wrote a little blog entry there

[reply]
1. 8/26/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  friday13, thanks for sharing. speaking in front of your peers is always a challenge. i saw the CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg speak or saw a few words and he was horrible. he's worth so much money, but was unable to do an interview for tv. having good public speaking skills and take you a long way. thanks for sharing.
  
  - the coach
2. 8/26/08
  
  Friday13
  
  You're welcome. It's always fun to share -- except money, for I have none
  
  And Mr. Zuckerberg must've been wishing that the interview could be done via Facebook
8/29/08

imawraj

I have joined Toastmasters Club....Its the best International club to improve your public speaking skills

[reply]
1. 8/29/08
  
  kdawg68
  
  true indeed - I'm the Sgt. At Arms in ours here at work. Just one more speech until I'm a DTM.
2. 8/30/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  imawraj, Toastmasters has been very rewarding for others as well as myself. I've been involved three years and received my DTM as well as served in district roles.
  
  thanks for sharing.
  
  - the coach
8/29/08

kdawg68

Coincidentally - anyone else get confused with spelling "speech" for "speaking?"

I always want to type "speach" (and usually do, then frantically search for the edit button). Just curious.

[reply]
1. 8/30/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  kdawg68, one speech to go to get DTM awesome. don't stop now and please let me know when you get that DTM.
  
  - the coach
8/29/08

nctrower

I love public speaking. I get the jitters right before but once I get started and get in the groove, man I have fun. I'm amazed though at those that can carry on 45 min speeches w/o notes! I wish I had more time for Toastmasters.

[reply]
1. 8/30/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  nctrower, i feel everyone can relate to you about having the jitters. the same thing happens in sports right before the game, race, etc. it's all about how we play off that nervous energy to work for us and not against us. Toastmasters is a great resource as well, but please don't hesitate to contact me if you ever want to chat more about speaking.
  
  - the coach
8/29/08

LGramlich

I not only fear it (because of past traumas,) it gives me panic attacks.

[reply]
1. 8/30/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  LGramlich, sorry to hear you get panic attacks when speaking. It's tough to get in front of a group of people and speak, but when you practice it can help you feel a litle comfortable and get over some of the fear. Thanks for sharing and best of luck.
  
  - the coach
8/29/08

nickrthomas

I used to until I took some classes and then became a professional speaker and trainer.

To read what I love about it (and read valuable free speaking tips) follow Nick R Thomas - A Public Speaker's Blog www.nickrthomas.co.uk

Great thread, by the way.

[reply]
1. 8/30/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  nickrthomas, thank you for sharing your story. I know you will inspire others through your stories and tips. Thanks for sharing your blog with others and I enjoyed reading the tips you listed.
  
  - the coach
8/29/08

jackpayne

Master that and it's like winning the lottery.

[reply]
1. 8/30/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  thanks for sharing jackpayne. it is like winning the lottery.
  
  - the coach
2. 8/30/08
  
  rswallerjr
3. 8/30/08
  
  rswallerjr
8/29/08

satijournal

I have severe performance anxiety including public speaking and playing music. I got a prescription for beta-blockers but I haven't tried performing with them yet.

[reply]
8/30/08

rswallerjr

satijournal, thanks for sharing and i hope you oversome the anziety with public speaking and playing music.

- the coach

[reply]
8/30/08

globalgirl

I've presented before hundreds and small groups and don't fear public speaking at all.

Well, maybe a bit.

I've been told I am a natural public speaker.

[reply]
1. 9/01/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  globalgirl, thank you for sharing your comments about public speaking. it sounds like you have a hidden talent that most wish they had.
  
  - the coach
8/30/08

Bayho

i think everyone is afraid of speaking infront of peopel but i think if you can get your audience to laugh for a little bit i think it is a lot easier to talk to them. and i think its important to keep them attentive. generaly if you start out by making a fool of yourself you and then speak to your audience it should be a lot easier.

[reply]
1. 9/01/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  bayho, making a quick connection with your audience is very important. not everyone can use humor effectively, but if they can it's powerful. another way to connect with your audience is get there early, walk the room and talk with people for a few minutes. This can put you at easy and you might be able to incorporate that conversation into your introduction. Someone used that method on me and man did they have my attention the rest of the presentation.
  
  Thanks for sharing!
  
  - the coach.
8/31/08

rarestone

It is the fear of what others think of us. We are scared of judgement, ridicule, and so forth.

[reply]
1. 9/01/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  rarestone, yes we do fear what others think of us. everyone is entailed to their own opinion though. if we open our minds to hear others feedback, we can learn some great things. Just keep in mind, filter what feedback works for you and put aside which does not. Good luck!
  
  - the coach
9/01/08

Nomadic

I don't mind it, but I prefer dialogue. As a former speech writer I know how short peoples attention spans are - so if ever I am asked to speak, I interact and turn it into a lively discussion. That way, the way I speak is less rigid and others feel far more engaged with what I am saying.

[reply]
1. 9/01/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  nomadic, thanks for sharing your comments. a former speech writer (very impressive). i see that you have been on both sides which is awesome. i like your point about engaging your audience. we then to listen faster than someone speaks and our minds tend to wonder to other things. if you engaged the audience, your message will land much better than just talking to them.
  
  - the coach
2. 9/01/08
  
  Nomadic
  
  yep. it's all about getting the message across. whatever that might be. speech writing (righting) taught me not to have too many messages (max 3).
9/01/08

timethief

I don't fear public speaking and have been quite successful at it. I attribute my success to two four things. Firstly, to early childhood training in 4 H public speaking classes. When I became an adult I moved into teaching to the next generation of 4H public speakers. Secondly, improvisational theatre and particularly comedy classes, workshops and productions. Thirdly, like modelelaine I have also made an income through modeling. Fourthly, my passion for empowering people to actively participate in local government translated into giving classes in my own community and also in local and regional environmental organizations.

FWIW I'm no longer into public speaking. For the last 16 years I have preferred to be in the background working as a coordinator and/or campaign manager for local government candidates who share the same viewpoints that I do. I and my team members have been successful in that all the candidates we have worked hard to get elected have been elected for 16 years running now.

[reply]
1. 9/01/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  timethief, thanks for sharing your steps to gain comfort with public speaking. all four steps are very powerful and build on one another to assist in making anyone a diverse speaker. getting comfortable as a speaker takes time and people can use various tactics and resources to help build that comfort level.
  
  sports players always have games and practices recorded so that they can go back and watch the tape. the reason they watch the tape is to see what worked and what to improve on. speakers should take the opportunity to do the same and record all of there speeches (no matter the topic or audience).
  
  - the coach
9/03/08

fated82

I do have fear initially when I started out. But recently, this fear have been gone already. I join the Toastmasters club of Singapore and it does help me remove my fear in front of the crowd.

[reply]
1. 9/07/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  fated82 thanks for sharing and glad to se you're a fellow toastmaster. i have been involved for almost 4 years now and it has been a big asset to my grow.
  
  - the coach
9/03/08

210betty

Nope, I love a crowd. Ok not really but I've been forced to speak in large settings so many times, I've just gotten used to it. Plus I generally act as though I'm better than everyone else and they should be humbled to be in my audience... LOL

Kidding, I've taken public speaking, it helped and I found out I wasn't so horrible at it and I've gotten used to it, it's kinda part of my job.

[reply]
9/07/08

rswallerjr

210betty. thank you for sharing your story. public speaking tends to become enjoyable when you have the opportunity to embrace and learn the core principles.

- the coach

[reply]
9/08/08

rarestone

I have actually just published a post titled, How to overcome public speaking anxiety on my blog and that may be of interest. Have given some tips there.

[reply]
1. 9/11/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  thank you for sharing rarestone and i will be sure to check out the post. i hope others do as well.
  
  - the coach
9/08/08

pumpkinlights

I've always enjoyed public speaking for some reason, but I don't really know why.

[reply]
1. 9/11/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  pumpkinlights, glad to hear you enjoy public speaking. there's nothing like sharing a great topic with people willing to listen.
  
  - the coach
9/08/08

Findalbanian

the thrill of having everyone listening to you

[reply]
1. 9/11/08
  
  rswallerjr
  
  some people fear having the spotlight on them findalbanian, but i see you enjoy the spotlight. great for you and keep shining.
  
  - the coach