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Thread: Public Speaking

  1. #1
    Yekhefah
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    Public Speaking

    I HATE public speaking, I absolutely hate it. I'm good with small groups, and I did well teaching to classrooms of children. But I've only taught adults in one-on-one tutoring sessions, and I hated the presentations I had to do in college.

    Nonetheless, I have a presentation coming up on Wednesday. I'm going for a job teaching SAT prep to high school kids, and part of the job interview involves a 3-minute presentation on the topic of my choice. I'm keeping it lighthearted since I don't have time to really get into anything serious in three minutes, and they don't care about the subject matter anyway. They just want to see how I teach.

    I know all the usual public speaking advice about slowing down and practicing and stuff, but does anyone have any lesser-known tips? I'm nervous!

  2. #2
    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    lol yek, i'm doing the same thing down here...
    I love public speaking though. My only suggestion would to be to take it slow, relax, and make eye contact. YOu know that already though. Good luck!

  3. #3
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    You're telling me to relax when delivering a stupid presentation to a group of strange adults as part of a job interview? Do you tell hurricanes to just calm down too?

    My nervousness is a force of nature. There is no stopping it.

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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    Ah I think I see waht they are looking for here. Yek, just use your charm, presence, and generally seductive ability to present something that you expect to be interesting.

    I don't like public speaking much, but if I know my topic well. I do much better. If I actually enjoy the topic, my presentation is usually 100x better if not more.

    It is hard to gauge what the audience will be interested with. I would not share my Train stories, or SC, or sex stories with some. That is of course common sense. I've also seen some real SNAFUs with that. Luckily that was not me. I tend to edit my story for on the audience, I don’t add anything, but I do censor.

    I hate the one about imaging everyone naked. That will either give you the giggles, or you'll want to vomit. Although picturing friends in the audience can help.

    I hate standing still, at a lectern. I can be somewhat animated with my hand gestures, and try to do so when appropriate. I also try to keep a positive stance and posture. Those grab attention. Also I like to walk across the stage and get everyone's attention if I can. Formal speeches are ok behind the lectern, but presentations can be too boring if you do that. This is most especially if you need to keep their attention to teach something.

    One of the worse ones I ever gave was on the future of technology. Everything I have said in that speech has come to pass... home networks, faster internet, home movies blasting across the internet, LAN games and other trends you know the stuff. Anyway, no one was interested, especially the 'testing teacher'. Thought it was techno babble, why would you ever need more than one computer at home she said to me.. Funny technology course were all forced on all staff and students.

    A really good performance was on ATM security, how to be safe, scams to look out for, etc. Everyone especially the teacher was intrigued when I was talking about Lebanese loops, and other scams. There had also been a few thefts recently, one in the university building.

    The best thing I’ve found over all is to choose topics wisely, have fun, and don’t over think. Once you feel ready, concentrate on something else for a while. Keep in good practice but in the end you can’t think you just do.

    Of course you know what my real problem is: keeping is short and simple. I rarely make word/time limits, and even I think my posts/presenations are too bloody long sometimes.

    You kick ass anyway Yek, so don't worry, just prepare and do.
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  5. #5
    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    LOL... yes, I'm telling you to relax. Also, know your presentation to a tee. This way you'll be totally confident and won't freeze or goof up. Practice it A LOT. And also focus on keeping your breathing slow and controlled. Take your time speaking - the biggest mistake nervous people make when giving presentations is talking so quick you have no idea what the hell they're saying.

    I think the fact that this is public speaking in conjunction with an interview that is increasing your anxiety. Just know going into it, that you've got this thing in the bag

  6. #6
    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    oh, and also, DON'T FIDGET! and don't rock back and forth or side to side if you're standing. control that nervous energy. mind over matter - I believe in you!!

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    God/dess DancerWealth's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    First of all, thinking, "Don't fidget" is not exactly great advice. If you are thinking, "Don't fidget", you'll fidget. Rather, focus on the oposite and you'll get better results. In other words, say to yourself that this will be easy and you are confident in your speach rather than "don't fidget". You can never get what you don't want. You can only get what you want so focus on that. Everything on how you program yourself comes from the words that you use, so if you say "I don't want to have a bad relationship" is bad programming. Rather you should always ask for what you want and say, "I'd like to have a healthy relationship" and low and behold, you'll start getting it. It's just good programming.

    Now, as far as your speech, don't write your speech word for word on a piece of paper. It makes for horrible presentations. Instead, write down bullet points for what you want to talk about. If you know the topic well enough, you won't have to have pages and pages written for you to just read. Instead, use bullet points to keep you on track on a 3X5 card and you'll be fine. Just remember to smile, gaze across the room while you are talking on occasion and you'll do just awesome!

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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    I just pronounce my words slowly but not to the point where its sounds bad. DW has a great idea with the bulletins. Also, practicing in front of the mirror before you go. I pretend Im talking to my friends and it makes it easier for me. Good luck.
    you live like an ivy vine
    you can only survive by clinging onto trees
    that's your flaw
    put down some roots so you can stand on your own
    -Kenpachi



  9. #9
    Featured Member tampadancer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    DW you hush! MY ADVICE IS EXCELLENT!!!

    What do you know anyways.. you only like run a company about this stuff...

    lol, just playing

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    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    I love public speaking and I could do it pretty effortlessly. It did take practice to get there and I DID have jumbled nerves before starting my speaking.

    DW is completely right. What you focus on becomes reality. Focusing on not fidgeting and being nervous will only have you doing just that. If you focus on speaking slowly and clearly...focus on everything that you DO want to happen during your presentation, it will happen.

    Thoughts become things. Think good thoughts and good things will happen.

  11. #11
    God/dess DancerWealth's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    Quote Originally Posted by VenusGoddess
    Thoughts become things. Think good thoughts and good things will happen.
    Great point Venus. A good friend of mine who is a huge public speaker always says, "Words don't mean things, people mean things!" In other words, don't just say the words, be someone who exemplifies what they are saying and you'll be a great speaker.

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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    Quote Originally Posted by Yekhefah
    You're telling me to relax when delivering a stupid presentation to a group of strange adults as part of a job interview? Do you tell hurricanes to just calm down too?

    My nervousness is a force of nature. There is no stopping it.
    Then just work with it you won't be able to put it away for the moment . And I think the group that is watching you will realize what is going on it will get easier with time . Or maybe this advice will work just say in your head " FUCK IT " ! Good luck you will be okay .

  13. #13
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    Thanks, everyone! It's frustrating; I used to win awards for oratory in high school, and I did stage plays and I was on the debate team. Then I got to college and all of a sudden lost it all! I've got a whole box of public speaking trophies in my parents' attic and now I can't even remember how I got them.

    I'm off to put together my presentation! I've got two days to practice and refine... hopefully it will go well!

  14. #14
    God/dess KamrynAnne's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    stay relaxed and focus.. i took many speaking classes in college... i know it can be difficult, but i think the more confident you are the better you'll be... Wear a polished outfit, look your best... it will be fine...

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    God/dess Lysondra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    Take an Ativan.

    What?

    XD


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    Featured Member tootsie's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    i hate public speaking too! I just think of when someone else is up there speaking am i thinking weird about them? no, so i don't think when i go up they will be thinking weird about me. got it? i hope so because it was hard finding the words to get that out.

  17. #17
    God/dess Deogol's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    Quote Originally Posted by Yekhefah
    Thanks, everyone! It's frustrating; I used to win awards for oratory in high school, and I did stage plays and I was on the debate team. Then I got to college and all of a sudden lost it all! I've got a whole box of public speaking trophies in my parents' attic and now I can't even remember how I got them.

    I'm off to put together my presentation! I've got two days to practice and refine... hopefully it will go well!

    If you know what you are going to say, then public speaking isn't that horrible. Especially for someone who takes her clothes off for a living.


    The only times I have been uptight about speaking in public is when I don't have anything to say. Then it seems like everyone knows one is just BSing it through.

    Think of it this way - it's three minutes. It isn't like you are defending your doctoral or something.

    Speak in a measured way (I swear I have heard to many chipmunks give speeches) and you will sound that much more confident.

    Also - I tend to listen to itconversations.com - which has many interviews and public speaking podcasts on it - I learn quickly what I like and don't. There was one guy - you would think he was speaking to a tempo meter and I really enjoyed his speech. Gotta give people some time to soak it in ya know.


    You'll get your speech given legs back when they are back on the track!

  18. #18
    Yekhefah
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    Dude, stripping is so much easier than public speaking! I think stripping is the perfect outlet for very shy people. Your nudity becomes a costume that you can just hide behind; no one's looking at YOU, the person. I can dance naked before strangers because they're not seeing me. With public speaking, OTOH, it's *me* up there. That makes it harder.

  19. #19
    Veteran Member NoCoverLover's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    I used to be *terrified* of public speaking! I failed that part of the grade 5 program. It was a horrific failure too! So the following year I made sure I picked a topic I knew well, and I practiced the thing a lot.

    Knowing your material is key. I like DW's advice about making bullet points to guide the flow. Teleprompters are used in broadcasting for a similar purpose.

    I'm actually pretty good at presenting now, as I do it several times a year as part of my job (Software Architecture). I know my material intimately, so that makes the whole thing much easier.

    You'll do fine, as long as you prepare...

    Good luck!

  20. #20
    Senior Member 8TJ's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    Y,
    I know from where you come. I was a confident speaker until my 5th year of college and I froze in front of a class. That scared the cr**p out of me

    Anyway many years later, I have had a number of positions that require me to speak. Sometimes in front of groups of 5 or so sometimes in front of several hundreds. Here is what I have learned:

    Practice Practice Practice. My theory is I know my talk so well that even if I were to freeze again I could go on auto pilot and keep speaking. In theory since I know it so well I can comfortably divert and expand on the subject as needed.

    Panic up to the moment of speaking is normal for me. But that same panic always turns into energy I can use during the talk.




    You look better then you think. I have watched many people I know speak over the years. I may be able to detect a slight bit of anxiousness because I know them well but the audience sees an alert active speaker



    Ride the Wave- I have learned that about 15-30 seconds into a talk I get a wave of “WTF am I doing up here?” It is brutal but I have learned that it will pass and then I get a wave of confidence that carries me the rest of the way.



    Your mileage will vary but you can do it. You are not alone. Most people are more afraid of public speaking then dying….





    Good luck and let us know how it went










  21. #21
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    I used to be in the "extemporaneous" competition on our school's speech team. You had to pick a topic out of a jar on some current event, research it for one hour, and then give a 3-5 minute speech on it. Once I learned the art of making stuff up, three minutes became easy. Keeping it under five was the challenging part.

    Needless to say, I've become such a recluse since then, I doubt that I could speak publically anymore, but yes practice makes perfect.
    Former SCJ now in rehab.

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    Veteran Member merely_lurking's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    You should go in there with the attitude that it doesn't matter if you fuck up, or if you act nervous, or if all the words come out wrong, or if you can't remember anything you were going to say, or if you make a total ass out of yourself. Whatever happens, happens. Fuck 'em...
    A fat chick is like a big, warm, comfortable pillow that you can also have sex with....

  23. #23
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    I'm rather odd, I really enjoy public speaking. Here are a few tips which helped me when I wasn't so comfortable speaking in front of others...

    Prepare: if you feel knowledgeable in the subject matter, you'll have more confidence.

    Practice: at night, while laying in bed, envision yourself speaking confidently in front of others. Imagine yourself delivering the speech effortlessly, with great results.

    Catagorize: like Dancer Wealth said, don't try to memorize, just try to bucket your major points into bullets. It's much easier to remember the bullets. And as long as you are prepared and know the subject matter, you'll be able to speak freely to the points.

    Relax: prior to giving a speech, relax and build your confidence level. Listen to inspirational music, or do something that makes you feel happy. Maybe visit stripperweb so you realize the world is bigger than just you?

    Eye contact: some people try to focus right above the heads of the audience. I like chosing 3-4 people in the audience who are engaged and paying attention, and focus my eye contact on them. It will help your self-confidence since they are listening to you, and it will appear to others as though you have good eye contact with the audience.

    Perspective: keep it all in perspective. A year from now, you won't even remember the speech. So try to have fun with it, and if it doesn't go so well, just forget about it.

    Good luck!

  24. #24
    Veteran Member showmethemoney's Avatar
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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    Public speaking scares the living shit out me...but for some crazy reason I like being on stage. Go Figure.
    Sorry Yek, can't really come up with any great ideas for ya. Xanax maybe? haha just kiddin.
    Practice makes perfect. Don't forget to breathe when your up there.
    Wish ya the best

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    Default Re: Public Speaking

    DW's second paragraph are words I live by when it comes to presentations. Wish I had said it first. I had almost forgotten.

    ----
    Now, as far as your speech, don't write your speech word for word on a piece of paper. It makes for horrible presentations. Instead, write down bullet points for what you want to talk about. If you know the topic well enough, you won't have to have pages and pages written for you to just read. Instead, use bullet points to keep you on track on a 3X5 card and you'll be fine. Just remember to smile, gaze across the room while you are talking on occasion and you'll do just awesome!
    -----

    I used to use my transperancy slides rather than notecards, but that is just an adaptation to the situation. Colour slides really get attention.
    One more cup of coffee for the road,
    One more cup of coffee 'fore I go
    To the valley below....

    Slowly moseying my way to the exit.
    A Blogging?

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