ALT-4 How to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking
Many will testify verbal communication towards a large group (public speaking) brings about a substantial amount of fear. In a supporting article, Jerry Seinfeld was quoted saying: "At a funeral, there are those who would rather be the person in the coffin than the ones giving the eulogy" ("Speaking Successfully" 10). This statement may sound funny, but for many of us it is true. The fact is, most people are not born with the ability to speak effectively to large groups. Although some people are gifted with public speaking abilities, others must attain it through adapting several key techniques. Successful public speaking is characterized by a well developed, practiced, and delivered message.
To capture the imagination of others, one must first capture his own imagination. When developing a message, it is extremely important to make points clear and concise. Keeping the message simple is key to successful public speaking. Nora Carr in "The Art of Spokesmanship" states "Speaking with one clear voice the nirvana of public communications requires a clear message" (43). Through reading and experience with the topic, also comes overall familiarity with the topic. Many people lack emphasis in their speech because the topic they have picked is not important to them. The audience wants to hear a message that is actually important to the speaker, before they decide to actually take it in as important for themselves. Another important factor of a well-developed is a message that is proof-read. Even if the message sounds flawless, a second opinion is always helpful in pointing out hidden errors.
While developing a message is hard work, delivering your message is where all the hard work becomes evident. The best way to define success in the actual deliverance of your speech is: practice, practice, practice. "The most gifted spokesmanthe ones who make it look easy and are never at a loss for wordstypically are also the most prepared" (Carr 43). It is important to speak twice as slow as you would normally speak. Many nervous speakers naturally speak fast, just to get the information out and over with. Speed speech results in a poor, sketchy, not long lasting message.
Knowing the audience is another key factor in successful public speaking. It would not be wise to incorporate sport analogies when speaking to a chess club. The terms used should be easily related to by the audience that is listening. A successful speech is also defined by a perfected introduction and final statement. The introduction's purpose is to draw the attention of the audience, and the final statement should leave a clear imprint of the overall message desired to get across. In-between, should be a steady flowing and clear body that describes in detail the main point and its subcategories. People who focus on the message they want to get across, and not on how the audience is viewing them, are often less nervous. One of the 10 tips for successful public speaking, courtesy of Toastmasters International, is: "Concentrate on the messagenot the medium. Focus your attention away from your own anxieties and concentrate on your message and your audience." ("Speaking Successfully" 11). Describing personal experiences in a speech is also beneficial. Nora states "Putting a human face on every issue is vital." People want to be able to relate and picture in their head examples. A great way to do this is through the use of describing personal experiences.
All of these techniques are the focal points of successful public speaking. However, success comes more easily with experience. Always look for public speaking opportunities, to practice these principles. Nora Carr writes: "The best way to improve is to seek out opportunities for "real life" practice aren't high stakes in terms of visibility, controversy, or career impact" (44). This means to always take opportunities to speak, especially when your reputation is not on the line. Successful public speaking is not something able to be just studied for and aced. Developing a successful public speaking mentality takes real life practice. Know, in most cases, the audience wants to see something powerful and unique in the message. The audience wants to see success, or else they would not be listening!
Works Cited
Carr, Nora "Communications: The Art of Spokesmanship." American School Board Journal Vol. 194 Issue 2 (2007): p43-44. Academic Search Premier EBSCOhost Research Databases. Liberty University Lib. Lynchburg, VA. 18 Sep. 2007 .
"Speaking Successfully." Techniques: Connecting Education and Careers Vol. 81 Issue 8 (2006): p10-11. Academic Search Premier EBSCOhost Research Databases. Liberty University Lib. Lynchburg, VA 18 Sep. 2007 .
