Kudzu Principle #4—Public Speaking: Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once said, “Given a choice, at a funeral, most of us would rather be the one in the coffin than the one giving the eulogy.” Considering that the fear of public speaking usually ranks right below the fear of dying in most opinion polls, Jerry’s statement is probably pretty accurate. The ability to make good public speeches and presentations is paramount in the career ambitions of any potential leader. The benefits of mastering the public speaking game are numerous, including:
- Gives You the Edge on Others!
- Positions You for Greater Things!
- It is the Language of Leadership!
- Establishes Credibility!
People appreciate the value of a well-delivered, adequately prepared address! This country has enjoyed a rich heritage of public speaking that has seen monumental events result from the power of well-chosen words. “I Have A Dream,” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., outlined an entire movement and cast a great vision for social justice. President Ronald Reagan’s commandment of “Mr. Gorvachev, Tear Down This Wall” eventually directed worldwide attention towards the demise of communism in Eastern Europe. Potential leaders can make a dramatic impact on their careers by effectively communicating with both internal and external constituents with confident deliveries. Considering that people who are good speakers and presenters usually get the promotions first, the ability to speak in public is almost a necessity.
To effectively conquer the fear of public speaking, nothing can replace the value of the experience gained by starting small and working your way up to larger groups. There’s a lot to be said when it comes to talking to children in reading programs and other opportunities because they are very forgiving of a novice speaker. Start small and work your way up. The best advice to give anyone with a fear of public speaking is to PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE! Being a little nervous in front of a crowd is perfectly normal! Being unprepared when asked to promote your department or idea is inexcusable! Building confidence in your ability to get in front of a crowd can be done through a few tricks and techniques:
- Do Not Procrastinate!
- Know Your Audience! (arrive early and work the room)
- Select an Appropriate Topic! (if your jokes might offend anyone, don’t tell any at all)
- Be Prepared with Organized Notes!
- Know Your Intro & Closing by Heart!
- Use Deep-Breathing Techniques!
- Test your Audio/Visuals Ahead of Your Program!
- Make Good Eye-Contact!
- Keep Telling Yourself Positive Messages!
- Never Apologize by announcing “I’m Not Much of a Public Speaker!”
The most important thing when struggling with the issue of public speaking is to remember that the speech can and will get you closer to your dreams by the credibility that your speaking ability can bring. Your audience wants you to do well, be relaxed, and right to the point! Give them what they want!