Speaking in public
Is there any easy way to take up an ambition of speaking in public? I’ve yet to find any short cuts to bliss, in this most trepidatious of activities.
But, from having been totally phobic about it – sleepless nights, anxious, tremulous voice – I can, I think, now do a better job; and each time I venture to try, it does get easier. Along the way, this is something of what I have discovered works for me. Do you have any other tips or suggestions?
- It helps to remember that most people are in the room because they choose to be, therefore most listeners will be interested in all the contributions.
- It helps me to think of a presentation as simply a prelude to a discussion, that is, a two way process in which the audience have at least as much, if not more, to contribute than the speaker standing at the front of the room. If we can see a presentation in this light, some of the imagined barriers between the speaker and the audience are lowered.
- When I give a reading, as I often do when at an event, I have to remove my driving glasses. (I drive to the event with my driving glasses, but do not need reading glasses.) So the room becomes pleasantly blurred.
- I like to think of everyone at an event as a friend, simply interested in hearing what we can all contribute. I am perfectly relaxed when speaking to groups of friends, so why should any scaling up make a difference?
- I try to remember what was suggested to me years ago, to ‘have the courage to be myself’.
Thanks for reading.
Please share:
March 19, 2018 @ 8:01 pm
Wonderful points, Fran. I especially like the blurred vision option! 🙂
Seriously, for me the most important part is being excited about what I’m going to say. Sometimes dialogue isn’t part of the deal. But most of the time it is, and I love the opportunity to ‘cook and set the table’ and then sit back and enjoy the real meal. So to speak. My two cents worth!
I’m assuming your recent speaking engagement went well?
March 19, 2018 @ 9:15 pm
Yes, the blurred vision is a recent discovery! 🙂 Actually, you hit the nail on the head – to be enthusiastic about what we want to say is absolutely the best way to want to speak about stuff in public. Then we just want to share. Thanks for the reminder. I say, ‘dialogue’ in the broadest sense, which could probably include nodding heads or a knowing smile… anything that connects.
I think yesterday went well, but for some reason found myself doubting a lot, until hubby reassured me finally, that it had been great! For some reason, I was really embarrassed last night, thinking it over – no idea why! – was it Mum’s critical voice coming in? But, yes, it was good, and another event under my belt, with people with whom I can be myself and chat about things that mean a lot to me, which is in itself a total gift. Quakers are such a lovely mixed bunch of individualists. 🙂 xxx
March 25, 2018 @ 9:49 pm
Yes…anything that connects, counts. Having heard you being interviewed on more than one occasion, I can’t imagine you doing anything but well (or more!). And yes, the voices in our heads like to worm their way in. Especially when what we’re saying is about things that really matter. I agree with your comment about Quakers, and concede that speaking in front of them guarantees a lively conversation/response! Still, only you have experienced your own life, which gives you personal authority even when everyone in the room isn’t able to connect just yet.