Public Speaking Basics

An outline helps provide you with a sense of direction. Think of it like your GPS navigation or a roadmap. It helps get you to your destination. I've created a guide to help make the outlining process as easy as possible. Please see the following template: Include Speech Title (Try condensing your thesis into six or fewer words – think simple, catchy, and memorable – this helps to focus your main idea) Introduction I.  Attention getter: Start with a rehearsed story, thought-provoking quote, shocking fact, rhetorical question, or some other way to hook the audience right away. Avoid introducing yourself, yes/no or dead-end questions, or my personal least favorite opening, “Hey guys, so today I’m going to talk about XYZ”. II. Introduce your topic: Provide necessary background information, context, and/or definitions. III. Thesis statement: Provide a single declarative sentence expressing your main idea. IV. Establish credibility: Tell the audience why you chose the topi...

There's a widely held belief that people are more afraid of public speaking than of  dying ... Shocking, right!? I'm pretty sure this idea was popularized by Jerry Seinfeld's joke (also stated on his sitcom, a favorite of mine) that goes something like this, “A recent study showed that people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two! This means, to the average person, if you're at a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” I've come across this 'fact' in textbooks, articles, and countless conversations. It sure makes public speaking sound more dramatic and daring. It's funny, it's clever...but it happens to be factually incorrect. Allow me to explain! This 'fact' is based on a survey from the seventies that asked people to state whether they were afraid of a series of items. More individuals happened to say they were afraid of public speaking than they said they were a...

“There are two types of speakers: Those who are nervous and those who are liars.” This is one of my favorite quotes, attributed to none other than Mark Twain. He is known for his great works of literature but also for having given many memorable public lectures. He said it best, but it's worth repeating - Everybody experiences public speaking anxiety to some extent. You might think you're alone in feeling afraid of public speaking. Well, it might surprise you to learn that some highly influential and well-known individuals have also wrestled with public speaking anxiety. Icons in business, performing, and historical figures alike have dealt with this common fear. Here are just a few examples: “I was terrified of public speaking when I was in high school and college... I couldn’t do it - I mean I’d throw up and everything.” -Warren Buffett “I think the audience knew what was happening. It was a play, they bought tickets, I’m up there acting – and I can’t...

What makes us happy? We know that the quality of our relationships impacts our well-being to a great extent - perhaps more than any other factor. And how can we promote more numerous and meaningful relationships? This is where public speaking comes in, because communication  cultivates our   relationships. We have to interact with other people to create new relationships. And we maintain those connections through continued conversations. That's why I believe that by enhancing our ability to speak effectively, we can improve our quality of life - personally and professionally. So commit to improving your public speaking skills! Join a Toastmasters club, take a speech class, or become part of any new group in order to enhance your speaking skills! It just might result in better living. -A

You tried to avoid this class but your advisor said you need it to graduate. You dread the thought of speaking in front of a large group. It’s too much to bear. How will you survive this public speaking class? I’ve learned a thing or two in my time as a student and instructor, so let’s break down this daunting subject with the hopes of making it bearable. You just may learn a thing or two to make the experience less painful. Let’s start with what’s likely to be your first concern. 1.) What to do about anxiety You may think you’re one of very few people affected by public speaking anxiety. This couldn’t be more wrong! It’s entirely normal to get stressed out or even paralyzed with fear before an upcoming speech. Anxiety is often a sign that you care, and that’s a good thing. Harness that anxious energy towards preparing your notes and rehearsing your delivery. In this way, anxiety can be beneficial. But public speaking anxiety is extremely uncomfortable and we...