A is for Attitude
Most people I meet that want to learn how to speak in public usually have a goal to reach – normally a groom with a wedding speech to deliver, a father-of-the-bride with a toast to propose, a professional who needs to do a sales presentation – there are so many instances of people who have a goal. They come with an attitude of learning and curiosity.
A is for Audience
Now, many people are afraid of speaking in front of an audience. And an audience is the main reason why someone seeks help. Be it 5 or 500 people, to stand up in front of an audience takes guts, raw courage, and lots of anti-perspirant. I often still feel a bead of sweat running down my back when I speak. This will never go away – it is a sign that I do not take experience for granted and that each speaking engagement is an opportunity to hone my skill. I find it easier to speak in front of 500 strangers than 50 people I know. Every time I speak of people at work it is more nerve racking than speaking in front of 500 people. So those people who have a wedding speech to deliver…I know this is probably the least easy audience to speak in front of.
A is for Applause
Expect applause! Whether you think you did a good job or not the applause will come. Instead of interpreting the loudness (or not) of it, rather see it as an acknowledgement that YOU’VE DONE IT! Bask in it. Let is wash over you. Get used to it. It is WONDERFUL!
Let me know what you think or leave me a question in the comments below.
Tomorrow’s Lesson from Behind the Lectern is – B is for Body Language and Being Yourself. See you then!
This post is part of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Twitter hashtag is #AtoZChallenge and Twitter id is @AprilA2Z
I used to loathe speaking in public. Now I love it, and only wish I had more opportunities. I think I thrive on having people’s attention when I want it…not when I don’t!
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I hope you find some opportunities…:-)
Excellent points. Yes, it is easier to speak in front of a crowd of strangers than a small group of friends, generally speaking, but if you’re passionate about your subject then both are relatively easier.
I agree. It’s always better to speak on something one has an emotional connection to.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Toastmasters, even though I am not participating in any club right now. I used to drive 40 minutes one way to get to a meeting at 7:30 in the morning!
One of the best lessons I learned is that you may do everything you fear you will do in public speaking, and it will be okay. Embarrassment is not fatal.
Besides, you will receive nothing but help an encouragement in Toastmasters when it does happen. That applause can help you realize that it’s all okay. Like you said, you accomplished something that scares some people more than death!
Indeed! Toastmasters is a supportive environment.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Being an elementary teacher cured me of my fear of public speaking. If I can keep the attention of a class full of kids who would rather be anywhere else, then any other public speaking event is a walk in the park.
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I agree. The memory of being a student-teacher in a classroom of 9 year olds trying to conduct a Reading class is still too fresh even though it was a good 25 years ago. I didn’t do very well at that time 🙂
I agree that speaking to strangers is much harder than if you know one person in the audience.
I’m visiting from A to Z challenge. It is still April 1st where I live. I love reading posts from folks in different parts of the world from myself.
I’ll be back.
Thanks Ann! It’s now mid-afternoon in sunny South Africa 🙂
I agree. It is much more nerve-wracking to speak in front of colleagues than in front of strangers. For me, it’s a matter of never being 100% confident that I really know what I’m talking about, and the feeling that my colleagues would know that I’m “faking” it. But there is nothing like applause! I LOVE it!!
Thanks Emily. Do you do a lot of public speaking?
Just in so far as I deliver workshops at our institution and occasionally give presentations are conferences. I used to teach university classes too, and was a musician for years. Nothing like the rush of getting up in front of people to “perform” and then the applause at the end!
Wow! It’s varied experience in front of an audience 🙂