Have you heard that a lot of people would rather face any of their mortal fears than make a speech in public? What's with that? Why are we so fearful of standing up in front of other people to talk? Notice I said"Why are WE so fearful?"
Me too! I get really nervous, even fearful about speaking in public, and I'm a gal who loves to talk! I can do it all day long! I love to be on stage ..... and I never run out of things to talk about! In fact, I'm a self-proclaimed Talkaholic.
And I still get nervous when I'm asked to talk in front of a group of people.
Symptoms?
Like everyone else, when I give a presentation, my body's defense systems kick in and I get lots of interesting physiological symptoms; heart palpitations, sweaty palms, nervous stomach, shaking hands, dry mouth.... you name it, I've had it. Well, I've never thrown up on the lectern, or actually fainted. But it HAS happened to some of my students! And you know what? The ones who came back to class, got really good at public speaking! And their symptoms eased up for them.
One of my main goals for this class is to help you relax a little when you speak in public. We'll even have some fun. Watch the video at this ToastMaster Club website http://www.hkntmc.org/node/4
Making Introductions
Since this public speaking class is delivered online, we'll get to know each other and communicate through the Class Blog ~ blogging will be the equivalent of "class participation." Click on the "About Terri - Your Instructor" link for an introduction to me.
Your first written assignment is to sign to this class blog on as a Follower, create a profile for yourself, and write a blog post about yourself. It doesn't have to be as long as mine, but it can be if you like. Be sure to upload a photo! More instructions on blogging are in Blackboard.
But we will also introduce ourselves when we meet in the video conference rooms. Half of you will be at UAF main campus and half will be at Tanana Valley Campus. Your first speaking assignment.... gulp! ... will be to introduce yourself in 90-seconds or so!
On the first day of class, you'll take this first step toward becoming a more effective public speaker. You'll stand up . . . and walk to the front of the class. Then you'll introduce yourself, making eye contact with everyone in the room AND with the camera 'cause you'll be on video to half the class! Take 90 seconds to tell a little about yourself and why you are taking this class, or whatever other low-risk topic you might want to choose. There is a 90-second time minimum, a 2 minute maximum.
"But didn't you hear me? ... I don't WANT to give a speech!"
Why am I making you give a speech on the first day? Ya gotta start some time! The thing to remember is that the physiological reactions that occur when you are about to make a speech don't usually last for more than the first 90 seconds of your presentation! So, if you can just “live” through the first minute or so of your speech, all your body's defense systems will start to relax a little.
I often hear speakers say, "Well, I was really nervous when I first got up there, but after a little while I was fine."
A Few Relaxation Tips
So what strategy should you use? SURVIVE! Just live through this introduction. Endure it! Get it behind you!
- Take a few slow, deep breaths.
- Force yourself to yawn a few times.
- Let your body go limp, then stand up straight.
- Find the muscle with the most tension and focus on relaxing that one ~ for me it is usually my neck and shoulders, sometimes even my scalp!
Comments?
What do you do to help you relax when you need to speak in front of people? Go ahead and click on the Comment button. Add your helpful hints!
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