Public Speaking?

This was a prerequisite for nursing school... For those in the class that feared presenting, learning how to give a decent presentation took the jitters away.

SJ

I know what your mean!!!

I don't have a problem with talking with patients, been there, done that!

However, if I'm asked to do a presentation in front of a crowd....I'd be shaking!

I even took Speech 1301 online to avoid it, and video taped my presentations. I had minus 5 points on each one b/c I didn't even let my hubby, etc. watch me. I couldn't keep a straight face when he was in the room. LOL

Anyway, I still made an A in Speech. haha

Good luck!

Did you take a public speaking class? That's a prerequisite for most nursing programs. I used to have a fear of that until I took it, I realized it wasn't half bad. I just imagined talking to one person instead of a class full of people. That said, I would highly reccomend you taking a public speaking class if you haven't already, then you'll feel alot more comfortable with the situation. Good luck!

They say that public speaking is people's #1 fear. Like most things, though, it usually does get easier with practice.

kirbi

Just another note, I can sing in front of people, but don't ask me to talk! LOL I get tongue-tied. lol

I think pretty much everyone dislikes public speaking--some just dread it more than others and some just hide their jitters better.

I've never taken an actual speech class, but most of my college courses have required presentations as part of the "learning experience". Needless to say, the mere prospect of a "presentation" made my gut clinch up every time I thought of it. However, a long time ago, my Introduction to Business professor gave our class some excellent advice regarding public speaking. This advice has always stuck with me and really made me feel more confident speaking publicly, especially in a classroom setting where often your main concern is getting a solid grade on the presentation.

She said, basically, "Don't worry if you get up and you're nervous. Some students begin their presentations and they're shaking or their voice is cracking and they realize that everyone can tell that they're nervous. And they think 'Oh my God, everyone can tell I'm nervous. I don't look confident, I look like a fool, and I'm going to fail this'. It's okay to be nervous though, and almost everyone is. And let me tell you this: I'd rather see someone get up and be nervous and jittery and crackly-voiced than seem basically ambivalent to their presentation. At least I know the students who get up and ARE nervous actually CARE about how good of a job they are doing and are truly concerned with producing good work. I'd much rather see you be nervous than see an attitude of 'I could give a crap about this presentation... blah blah' because at least if you're nervous I know that you are trying hard, and that you care..."

That was THE best tip I was ever given for public speaking because I have a serious problem keeping my voice steady when I begin a presentation. When I would start speaking and my voice began betraying me with cracks and shakiness, I'd always think "Great, I'm blowing this..." But after hearing that professor put the situation into her point of view, I realized that she was totally correct. I'm nervous because I care about the quality of my work, because I want to do a good job... and that's nothing to be ashamed of!

And however shaky my voice has been for the first few minutes of a speech etc, I've received an "A" on a variety of presentations for different instructors. So there must be some truth to what she said.

Just remember: They expect that you'll be nervous to some extent. And pretty much everyone out there is just as nervous as you are when it's their turn at the podium

It's not too bad if you know a couple of secrets....

Before you get up to talk..... pick out a few friendly faces in the crowd.... look for someone who is a "smiler" or looks especially friendly. When you talk focus on the people you have already picked out in the room... their faces look familiar to you because you looked for them in advance. By concentrating on them you can almost visualize the rest of the people away.

Second, know what you are going to say well..... rehearse it and feel comfortable with it. It's a lot easier to tell a "story" when you know it well.

Last, tell your "story" , which is whatever speech you have to tell, like you would tell your best friend. Relax, tell the details and remember that they want to hear what you have to say.

This is what works for me!

Hugs!
MaryRose

I had to take a public speaking course.........HATED IT.

Had to give a presentation in nursing school..........HATED IT.

I hate public speaking. I realize the value in asking students to learn it, but it's not a gift all of us possess.

Good luck to you. Thinking about it, worrying about, fretting about makes it worse. Keep things in perspective. Put one foot in front of other and do it. And you can do it. And you won't mess up. And you won't faint. And you won't forget your speech. And you won't fail. And you won't make a fool of yourself. People will not make fun of you.

Good luck!

Maybe I'm wierd, but I absolutely LOVE public speaking !
Perhaps the key is in believing what you're delivering. If you're passionate about what you want to convey to others, it just comes naturally.