Communication

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For many of us, speaking in public doesn’t come easy. Sometimes it takes a lot of courage to stand before an audience to speak, sing or act.

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.” - Mark Twain

For many years, I have had various people say to me that I should be a public speaker. I was successful in my own right and they thought I should share my knowledge and experiences. I would shake my head and tell them, “no way.” It’s too scary speaking in public.

Over the years though, after some encouragement from friends and employers, I decided that it might be beneficial to take the plunge into public speaking. I would put myself in environments where I could practice speaking in public. I was in Toastmasters for a few years and earned my (CTM) Competent Toastmasters certificate. This was a good start.

I began having speaking opportunities more often. One time, I was asked by the pastor of the church I attended to give a testimony of my faith in front of about 3,000 people. A few years later, I taught school and sang in front of audiences.
I realized the more often I spoke or sang in front of groups, the more comfortable I became. Not only that, but I was actually having fun. The fear of public speaking wasn’t gone, just under control. Here are a few techniques I have learned on how to control my fear of public speaking.

• Know what I am talking about (research my topic)

• Practice – but not too much

• Rehearse at least a couple of times in front of
a mirror or in front of good friends who can critique me

• Time the talk so I speak in the allotted time given

• Be myself and enjoy the audience

I’m usually an outgoing, friendly person. I enjoy using humor and telling stories during my talks. An audience enjoys humor and stories and I have not yet to be hit with a tomato or other assorted vegetables. The audience is my friend.

Breathe and Pray. When I’m feeling nervous before a speech, I take a deep breath, hold for a couple of seconds and then exhale; I might do this a couple of times. Saying a quick prayer to the Lord often centers and calms me.

Speaking in public does get easier. The more speaking you do the easier it will become. It helps having the support of family and friends too. The goals and dreams we seek require courage and risk-taking.

Learn from the turtle – it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.

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