Speaking To Death

People are afraid of dying. People are afraid of sharks…’cos when they eat you, usually then you die. But surprisingly enough, people are even more afraid of public speaking.

Getting up in front of a crowd of people or a camera all you feel is your mouth start to get dry, and your palms get sweaty and you start to feel nauseous. It’s like you’re gonna die. Hey, relax, the number of people that have died from the anxiety of public speaking is remarkably small. But the number of people who have died because of what they said while public speaking – much higher.

If you want to get into public speaking – Want to? Who wants to? I mean if you have to get into public speaking, you’re probably looking for some helpful tips on how to stay alive. Just suck it up and speak. No matter how many times you look it up, all the experts agree, the only real way to get over that fear is to do it. Eventually, won’t even bother you any more.

Now maybe you don’t believe me, but it is true; and sure, the first time you do it, you’ll be horrible – but you’ll get better. Trust me. You will not suck. Much. The second time.

Join an organisation like a church or a Rotary, or Toastmasters International and practice speaking in front of other people. Don’t start with the sharks – surround yourself with guppies. You’ll be safe. Once you’re not afraid to do it any more, you can actually start focussing on the things that’ll make you better.

One of our viewers, thirteen year old Matthew our viewers are really that young? How old are you anyway? Anyway, Matthew was watching the show and he decided he was gonna to use it as a pattern for good public speaking. He noticed on his own that speed of delivery, volume, repetition and intonation can all make a presentation more interesting. And more engaging.

This is the part you’re gonna remember, even though it has no bearing an anything I’ve said thus far, this is the part you’re gonna remember.
See? It works. The whole intonation, repetition thing? It’s the part you’re gonna remember. Wait – I’ve heard that somewhere before.

Good public speaking comes down to good storytelling. You need to make a connection with your audience. [Monotone:] ‘Cos nothing’s as boring like someone talking like this and you have no idea what they said because it really wasn’t very interesting and they just kept going on and on about the same thing.

Let the audience feel like they know you. Let a little of your personality show through. The side that people like – not that other side.

And last point: talk about what you know. Or what you ought to know. ‘Cos that’s what we do here. The more you know your subject, the more comfortable you’ll be with it. And if you mess up, or you forget a part, or you…

[Camera Guy] Getting back on track.

Yeah, you won’t have any trouble getting right back on track. You’re still gonna be scared the first time you do it, but – at least now you know how to do it.

Just a little tinkle in your pants.

Transcribed by: Frances K.

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