Avoid Your Fears Of Public Speaking

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Zohair, Nov 9, 2006.

  1. Zohair

    Zohair Formerly zohBOT

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    Avoid Your Fears of Public Speaking


    It is said that public speaking is the thing people fear the most, yet sooner or later most people will have to speak in front of a group at work. Whether training new employees, giving a presentation to management or even conducting an interview, being an effective speaker can help you get ahead at work.

    Consider this:

    At any public speaking event, each participant gives a speech and is blockeduated by audience. Some speakers do a lot of research for their speeches, while others focus less on the research and more on their delivery. Over the years the audiences have been consistent in their blockeduations.

    So, who do you think rates higher?

    A. A speaker with fabulous information and so-so delivery

    B. A speaker with fabulous delivery and so-so information

    The answer is "B." Of course, the ideal situation is to have both fabulous information and fabulous delivery but, for many audiences, delivery is the most critical factor. Poor delivery can make the most interesting topic sound boring, while excellent delivery can make even a dull topic come alive.


    Here are four traits of successful speakers, followed by a number of ways you can develop these traits.


    Confidence:

    Good speakers may sometimes feel nervous, but they try not to let it show. Speakers look and sound more confident when they make eye contact with the audience, move naturally, use audiovisual equipment effectively and speak fluidly (avoiding too many "uhs" and "ums").

    Credibility:

    This is an audience's perception of how believable a speaker is. To be credible, a speaker must be seen as someone who is knowledgeable about the topic. However, this does not mean someone who is a "know-it-all."

    Enthusiasm:

    Magnetic speakers are enthusiastic about their topic, and they share that fervor with their audience through variety and energy in their voice, gestures, and body movements. Other terms that can be applied to these speakers are "high energy" and "passionate."

    Ease:

    Natural speakers don't lecture, they are at ease. Even when speaking in front of an audience of hundreds, they speak as if they were having a conversation with a group of friends. Other terms that may be applied to these speakers are "real" or "down-to-earth."

    Ways to Improve Your Skills
    • • As with any skill, one of the best ways to improve is by just doing it. With speaking, this means getting yourself in front of as many audiences as possible.

      • When there are opportunities for informal speaking at work -- such as introducing a new employee, volunteer for the job.

      • If you're presenting a training program at work, make sure you ask audience members to give you feedback by filling out an blockeduation form.

      • When possible, consider taping yourself practicing or giving presentations.
      • You can then see or hear for yourself the areas where you may need to improve.
    What do you guys say about it?
     
  2. [.BC.] Aedus

    [.BC.] Aedus Well-Known Member

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    Bang on

    I've seen many talks given, the ones that really gripped me were the ones where the spaker had enthusiasm, and sounded like he loved the subject he was talking about, it made me even want to research it and find out about it more

    Speaches given that are rather dull just make me want to sleep, I can't stand them

    Audience participation is also very very good for speaches, it makes others feel like even they can do something on the subject and they can easily learn about it and be good at it aswell, and not only that gives you that extra burst of confidence with you feeling closer to the audience as a whole. When you have energy and give a speach, the audience can feel it to with how you speak and act

    1 more good way to increase your confidence is to hav a few little subtle jokes in what you say, people laughing is a sure fire way of increasing your confidence and improving your performance even further


    I've given a few speaches, the thing that got me through it was comedy, I spoke about the subject but had a laugh to, I suppose this only works in closer knit groups but fellow students laughing and enjoying the speach gave me the confidence I needed to get through
     
  3. Iced

    Iced Well-Known Member

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    I have no fears of it :)
     
  4. .//XeN-

    .//XeN- Well-Known Member

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    How a horror movie plays out in your house :

    Bill: OH ---- FRANK, THEY'RE A GUY WITH A CHAINSAW, HE JUST BASHED DOWN THE DOOR!
    Frank: Meh..
    Bill: AND HE HAS A SPEECH PREPARED FOR YOU!
    Frank: FUXKETY SHET!
     
  5. Iced

    Iced Well-Known Member

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    ----ing ownage, great one - rep
     
  6. Totti Barca

    Totti Barca Well-Known Member

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    Haha, that actually made me laugh.

    But yeah, those are great tips on helping people. Personally, I'm very charismatic and love speaking in public, but I feel bad because so many people don't get the same thrill I get when I'm in front of 50 people giving a presentation.

    Also, another tip I don't think you mentioned. Practice your speech before giving it, no matter if its 20 minutes or two minutes. It definately helps.
     

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