“THERE is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the
fear of failure.”---Paulo Coelho
One of the most famous fears is the fright of public speaking.
Once many years ago people were asked what their greatest fears were and the fear of public speaking topped their list. It was even worse than the fear of dying!
So in answer to those who have asked how to succeed in speaking, I obtained the best tips from the great communication organization – Toastmasters International.
Springing forth with inspiration, they give us the light of communication. God gave me the blessing of being an officer of this group in 1994 here in Angeles City. In 2001, for a span of six months, I became a member of this group in Pasadena, California.
To-date it is sad but no local group exist in Pampanga.
Seven Tips
Okay, here goes. Herein are seven tips in better presentations. Concomitantly, they can help in controlling the butterflies which make us nervous.
1. Know your material. Pick a topic you are interested in. Know more about it than you include in your speech. Use humor, personal stories and conversational language – that way you won’t easily forget what to say. In my file of experiences, I know my best self zooms in on the topics delving on the art of writing, wellness and holistic art. I can easily give talks if these are my subject matter.
2. Practice. Practice. Practice! Rehearse out loud with all equipment you plan on using. Revise as necessary. Work to control filler words; Practice, pause and breathe. Practice with a timer and allow time for the unexpected. Better still practice before a trusted family member or friend who can guide your way.
3. Know the audience. Greet some of the audience members as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers. Ensure that you know their age group and particular matters they are interested in.
4. Know the room. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids. Familiarity with the area and the communication tools are a boon in putting a smile on your red face.
5. Relax. Begin by addressing the audience. It buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, smile and count to three before saying anything. ("One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand. Pause. Begin.) Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.
6. Visualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and confident. Visualize the audience clapping – it will boost your confidence.
7. Realize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. They’re rooting for you.
Finale
Yes! You and I can do it. What a golden time it is when you and I can learn a new skill. Bouncing with energy and enthusiasm, we open the gateway to the realm of self-expression and self-fulfillment.
As a famous scientist who won Nobel Prizes said:
“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” (Marie Curie)
Yes! May your great and jubilant June schedule be filled with the gifts of harmony, health and happy deeds and thoughts.
Go for your dream. Go for you best topic. Go for public speaking.
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Reach me at malugueco@gmail.com