Comments on: Public Speaking

By: Studs of the Week | Financial Independence in Your 20s | Studenomics

Studs of the Week | Financial Independence in Your 20s | Studenomics — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 17:19:59 +0000

[...] Pillars talks about public speaking. Each semester I have anywhere from 2-5 presentations so I’m always looking for quality [...]

By: Studenomist

Studenomist — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:46:29 +0000

Throughout the entre span of my time in college I have done easily over 20 presentations. To this date I am still not good at but I have improved drastically. I had 2 presentations this past week and have 2 more coming up. What worked for me is:

1. Dress up realy nice so if aything you feel confident.
2. Think of a positve end result when you go up there.
3. Watch your favourite entertainer the day before to try to mimick their performance.
4. Use humor. Honestly I find that every presentation is so boring that it helps to gain the audiences interest if you make them laugh (especially young people).

I am still by no means good at presenting but the last two presentations I have been able to hold the audience in the palm of my hands by making my information as interesting as possible.

By: The Financial Blogger » Blog Archive » Financial Ramblings

The Financial Blogger » Blog Archive » Financial Ramblings — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 12:07:00 +0000

[...] I really like this post from Four Pillars about public speaking. [...]

By: Rob Bennett

Rob Bennett — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:58:31 +0000

I am also an introvert. There were times when I had to give speeches in my work and I was terrified.

Today there is nothing I enjoy more than speaking in public.

For me, the secret was hearing myself give a speech that worked before the day I was called on to give the real one. For a long time, I held back from practicing because the sound of my voice giving a poor speech sickened me.

I had to stick at the practice sessions long enough so that things sounded natural and clear and friendly. Once I got to that point, I found that I loved speaking more than writing. I love the instant connection you can form with your listeners when speaking.

Introverts often impose hard standards on their own performance. So you can’t fake it. You cannot pretend that you are ready when you really are not. However, once your speech meets your own high standards, you will know it and that will give you the confidence boost you need.

Rob

By: Michael James

Michael James — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:34:15 +0000

Excellent post. I agree 100% that public speaking is an important skill that boosts just about any career. In my early 20s I was nervous about speaking in from of just my boss and a few colleagues. In my mid-20s my boss pushed me to talk in front of international audiences of hundreds of people at conferences. This just about killed me with nervousness at first, but as I became more comfortable with public speaking it did wonders for my career.

By: Ray

Ray — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:54:39 +0000

Just like everyone else I hated public speaking in school, until I reached University. At university I realized that public speaking is an important skill so I had to find ways to improve it.

I become president of a student club, become involved in non-profit organizations and did a lot of presentations, and I become host of a radio program for several years.

I eventually learned some techniques to make public speaking less fearful and more enjoyable. Now when I have to speak in front of people I am still nervous as before but now I feel more confident and know how to control the emotions. after about 3 minutes on stage I actually start enjoying it.

I have spoken to many who make a living speaking in front of a crowd and even they are nervous, but the trick is in controlling your emotions.

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:50:00 +0000

Ironically, I’ve always loved (even go as far as ask for it…) speaking in front of people.
I found out early in my career that, as you mention, this was a great asset to have.
I was a bank dept manager & my boss feared speaking in front of everyone so much that she had asked me to do the presentation for her.
I didn’t get the promotion as you mention but from that day forward, I was her right hand “speaker”.
One thing to always remember is that, by giving your presentation, you’re giving your experience & expertise to everyone in the crowd; that’s something you definitely need to be proud of doing.

By: Writer's Coin

Writer's Coin — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:09:09 +0000

I took a class in public speaking in college and the first session was simply about this fear, which we all had. Practice definitely helped, so that when you’re up there you know what you’re saying inside and out.

But one of the things I found helped the most was being passionate about what you’re talking about. That comes through a lot and counts for a lot too. Even if it’s for work, if you can show why this is important or why it matters to you, others will feel that and you’ll feel more confident up there.