Worse than death...............huh???
Yep, Public Speaking!
Quote: What do you think is the number one fear across America? A recent survey found surprising results. The top fear wasn't snakes, heights, or financial ruin. In fact, death was way down at number six on the list! The number one fear was public speaking. According to the study, if respondents had their choice of jumping from a plane (no parachute) or talking in front of a group of 50 at a dinner reception, it seems as though most would choose to test their flying skills!
I've done a fair bit of it, with various business stuff and with public presentations etc re: my writing - and I have to say that not only do I not fear public speaking, I actually enjoy it.
As long as I;
1) Know my subject - I mean KNOW it
2) Do some preparation but don't stand there like a wooden puppet
How about you?
Love it?
Hate it?
Avoid it like the plague?
Be interested to hear...your take on it. Edited by: Sanduleak at: 1/6/02 10:19:21 pm
HRH Queen of Valimar
Posts: 17
(1/7/02 1:53 am) Reply
Re: Worse than death...............huh???
SANDULEAK:
" I not fear public speaking, I actually enjoy it.
As long as I;
1) Know my subject - I mean KNOW it
2) Do some preparation but don't stand there like a wooden puppet
How about you?"
I enjoy it as well, and yes, one must know the subject matter and be prepared. In my position I must give many Orientations, In-Services, ans Seminars; and I inject humor (when appropriate) and I make it an interactive session. This keeps the listeners awake and interested
Now, saunter over to my place, kick off your shoes and just relax!
ATHEISM WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT... My ezboard community
Re: Worse than death...............huh???
When I do it often I grow to like it. When I was in graduate school we would have to prepare a paper and present it to the class..and it was expected to take an hour. After I got past the first 15 minutes, I didn't want to reliquish the stage so to speak. Being prepared is important.
But I know it is considered the most common worst fear.
Re: Worse than death...............huh???
Yes, there have been a number of surveys that have come up with the same result, but I wonder...
I mean, really, die rather than speak in public? Naaah. Those that would say that have never been in a position where their life was really in danger. Making a choice like that is not as simple as putting a pencil mark in a box beside an option. Far from it.
I will admit however, that to the unprepared, being asked to speak in public can be terrifying. I have seen some grown men faint, other adults race for the toilet to heave up the contents of their abdominal cavity.
Two periods in my life contributed to my ease in public speaking. The first was being in the armed services (army) and being required to complete an Instructors Course. This was deep-end stuff and nobody was spared. After a couple of weeks I found myself looking forward to taking my next lesson.
The next significant step in this area was my attending a Dale Carnegie course in Human Relationships. A very long course but one which increased my confidence enormously. I progressed to being an instructor.
One of the more satisfying things about this course (and I don't pretend that there are not other courses, equally as good) is seeing shy, introverted people come out of themselves. A transformation. People who, on day one, refused to stand and introduce themselves, later in the course leaping to their feet in their enthusiasm to join a discussion or to give an opinion.
I agree with comments made above inasmuch as it is essential to know your stuff. It is also important to know something about your audience; what they are expecting etc.
Later, when one gains confidence, it is possible to go into a speaking situation without preparation, and to 'wing it' but that only comes with practice.
I'm in two minds about humour in public speaking. Unless you have a talent for it.
I was told once that it is dangerous to begin a talk with a joke.
25% of your audience will have heard it before,
25% will be a little offended, (not much reason is required these days)
25% won't get it,
the remaining 25% might be amused depending on how funny it is.
Those stats don't fill me with joy.
But now I don't fear public speaking. Just spiders.
cheers
Peter E
Saundra Kane Traveller in the arts
Posts: 12
(1/12/02 2:50 pm) Reply
Re: Worse than death...............huh???
You make some excellent points Pete. And I agree that anyone giving the choice between dying and public speaking would never pick dying.
Traumaddict Traveller in the arts
Posts: 45
(1/15/02 1:39 am) Reply
Re: Worse than death...............huh???
Heights. I fear heights!
As for public speaking, so long as the audience isn't too tough. Having been inthe Army (like Pete) I have been in the position of holding meetings, etc. I was, for 2 miserable years a 'floor sergeant.' Which meant I was responsible for making a detail roster and making sure the place stayed clean etc. We were having a lot of problems with this in one place. Morale was low, and it was a rag-tag bunch. SO I called a few "Barracks Meetings" As I said, tough crowd. I lose steam when I see people slumped in seats, holding other conversations, rolling eyes. I do ok until I feel everyone's eyes on me and feel like everything I say sounds stupid. ugh
Pete, my hubby took that same course. As introverted as he can be, he sure does well with a group. He commands respect, is interesting, and well, quite easy on the eyes if I do say so myself
Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood. - Helen Keller
Email This To a Friend
Topic Commands
Click to receive email notification of replies 
Click to stop receiving email notification of replies