Public Speaking

 

     I can recall very well the feelings I had when my professor told me that my report on the consideration of what constitutes something being considered a “noise” that was irritating or a “noise” that was a wonderful sound to the listeners ears.  Stating such examples within the report of the sound made by the engine of a jet plane flying overhead!  To someone on the ground it might be irritating, but to the pilot within the plane that sound means his plane will continue to fly and not plummet to the ground.  That feeling was extremely exciting and yet momentary because within the next breath, he asked me to deliver the report as a talk to the department assembly the next day.  What could this man be thinking?  Speak in front of a couple hundred people?  I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to do that!  I wanted to simply disappear and not have to show up for classes the next day.  But I managed to get myself pulled together and I got the butterflies in my stomach to all fly in the same direction at the same time.  I delivered the talk and after that I found that speaking in front of people wasn’t as bad as I had imagined it to be. 

     However, to many people, Public Speaking Fear can be paralyzing... You probably know the feeling. Perhaps you have worked for weeks, learned your materials, prepared the presentation. You try your best to ignore the anxiety. And then it's the moment... You go to the stand... Your throat is dry, you begin to stutter... Your brain feels empty.  What are you going to do?

     Public speaking anxiety is much more common than most people may think. You are not alone in worrying about speaking in public; many people experience "stage fright" when they have to give a speech, especially if it that first ONE. Consider this problem in greater detail: https://www.psycom.net/glossophobia-fear-of-public-speaking  Many of us take the fear of public speaking as being a weakness and will go to extraordinary lengths to avoid it. Obsessing about your performance as a public speaker haunts beginners and experienced speakers alike. Even the most skilled public speakers, admit they battle with their nerves before a big presentation. So remember, the question is not IF you will have that nervous feeling when about to present your speech, but HOW will you deal with the feelings so you can get the talk completed successfully.

      The sense of nervousness is caused by a sudden rush of the hormone adrenaline into the nervous system. This causes a "fight or flight" reaction. This reaction, stated very basically, is when we are confronted with a threatening situation, such as an automobile swerving in front of us. The adrenaline rush stimulates our physiological reactions.  This is a normal and expected reaction to your feelings.

     As speakers, we can use what nature has given us to our advantage. Nerves are good if we learn to control them. Adrenaline helps us perform better; it is our bodies own natural stimulant. Start by recognizing that the nervous tension we feel as we address a group is a form of positive energy. Being nervous is good, as it shows that you really care about getting your message across. You value your credibility and want to sound and look good to your audience. You might even find yourself seeking a career in public speaking in some form or another.  https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-in-public-speaking 

Here are some things to Remember:

       Most people rank public speaking as their number one fear

·         People make a lot of excuses to avoid speaking in public

·         Speaking creates an adrenaline rush. You can harness this adrenaline, and make it work for you

·         It is not shameful to feel anxious about public speaking

 So, what can we do?

·         Relax and take deep breaths, slow down your breathing, get it rhythmical

·         Remember adrenaline is causing your physical effects

·         You are not nervous, you are excited—change your mind set

·         Identify and control your “comforter,” root your feet to stop movements. Pay attention not to fidget with your hair, ring, pockets, etc.

     The phobia of speaking in public is a very serious condition and can potentially take over the lives of people suffering from it. The good news is that this phobia can be reversed and that there are lots of help to overcome this problem.

     Keep telling yourself that YOU are in control.  The state of excitement that you find yourself will prove to be very beneficial to you in getting your message across to your audience.  The only obstacle to being successful that you will have to contend with is YOU!  This is because regardless of how we try to convince ourselves that we will be in control, we’re only human!

QUOTE TO CONSIDER

THOUGHTFUL GEM

"Public speaking, simply put,

can be talking to yourself on the street corner."