Public Speaking Tips

i used to hate taking public speaking classes!!! i used to get so nervous!

its great to have advice like this. I know at work i feel intimidated by the male workers when i make my presentation to them

I really enjoyed your advice Emily. I think you are spot on. Sometimes, before I have to speak publicly, I make myself laugh. I believe this enhances the confident feeling that puts the entire situation into perspective.
I also like your remark that this, the level of performance on one’s presentation, does not affect the rest of his/her day. This is a great point. I believe to become a better speaker one must constantly learn from their past speaking ventures while disregarding any feelings of failure. You have really captured these ideas, thank you.

One thing that always helps me is to put it in perspective beforehand. If I walk into the room when I'm about to give a presentation, and I'm telling myself, "Don't mess up, this is a HUGE deal, this could make you or break you," and so on, I get really nervous and usually fumble. But when I go into it relaxed, with the attitude that the outcome of this presentation doesn't dictate my destiny, or even how the rest of my day will go, I find it easier to pace myself and deliver it better.

This past June I conquered by fear of public speaking. I was asked to speak for my womens group about attitude, my favorite subject. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would get up infront of a group and speak. I knew the only way to over come a fear was to "JUST DO IT". I did and I'm still here. I knew that I would not grow as a person if I did not over come this fear (false evidence appearing real). I am so proud of myself. Even though it was a small gathering, it still was an accomplishment that I am proud of myself for doing. I am looking forward to doing it again. The more I do it, the easier it will be.

I made sure I was prepared with my notes, but what it came down to was I spoke from the heart. I wanted to let the women see the passion I had for how important attitude is in our everyday life.

What great passion( do you have inside of yourself that you can share with others. I'm not saying start your public speaking career in front of thousands of people, start small. Are you part of a womens group, church, girl scout troup, etc., who are always looking for speakers. That is the place to start. If you own your own business, you can talk about success principles - how you started your business, etc. If you'e in the corporate world, why education is so important - you get my drift. Our young adults - girls - need to see and hear the success stories of women. Don't let your fear stop you from sharing.

Just a side note, I have been away from the forum for awhile, work and an on-going health issue, I wanted to say, it feels good to be back. I'm going to take its slow. Being on the computer too long is not good for me.
I missed all the wonderful insight and information.

Have a wonderful day and I want to close on this quote:

"What the mind can conceive and believe, will achieve."

I believe in all women can accomplish what ever they set their minds to do. Don't let anyone steal your Dream (. Believe in yourself.

God Bless,
Jan

Toastmasters has helped me. I've read books in the past, but I still felt nervous speaking. For those who have never been to one of their meetings, here is a good toastmasters meeting overview.