Overcoming Man’s Greatest Fear – Public Speaking

Simon Phillips, 28 December 2010

Public speaking or presenting is a skill that many people have a lot of trouble with, and when forced into having to make a public announcement or presentation they struggle and stumble over there words not only unable to get their message across but also feeling as though they have embarrassed themselves. Or they are so nervous that they will turn down a great opportunity.

Well a little while ago I was a person who would have turned down the opportunity to speak publically, but now after 9 months attending toastmaster I have gone from the quiet person standing in the corner to a person who “never shuts up” Quoted by my Mother.  Don’t underestimate the power of having this skill. It is not just something that will come in handy on special occasions, it can and will be used on a daily basis, especially in the business world.

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My Top 5 Public Speaking Tips I Learnt while attending Toastmasters are:

1. A joke goes a long way but never overdo it.

2. Get to the point, don’t babble on about nothing.

3. Be prepared. If possible don’t try to do an impromptu presentation the idea can come out wrong.

4. Practice. A presentation always runs smoother when you have rehearsed them.

5. Know the audience, different audience types like different presentation methods.

I have used the skills that I learnt through attending Toastmasters to make a presentation to a room full of business men and business owners. Although not a perfect presentation we got a great response from the audience and I would happily do it again.

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As I said earlier you will use this skill every day without even realising it that is whenever you talk to someone, it doesn’t have to be a big group of people. You will find talking to people easier and if your job involves talking to people that you have never met before this is perfect for you as you won’t be as nervous or shy when talking to them. 

So that being said, I find that public speaking/presentation skills are very useful and everyone should be able to do it as it not only makes everyday life easier for you but it will also become more natural and you will find yourself talking to people even while walking down the street.

*image 1 from: www.toastmasters.org.nz
**image 2 from: http://www.speaking-effective.kethal.com/public-speaking/public-speaking-fear/public-speaking-fear