People dread public speaking more than death. The comedian Seinfeld quipped that, at a funeral, people would rather be the corpse than the eulogizer. Mary Fensholt, a consultant and author of The Francis Effect: The Real Reason You Hate Public Speaking and How To Get Over It [Oakmont Press, 2006] states that the reason people fear public speaking is primal. Fensholt bases her theory on the work of sociobiologist Edward O. Wilson,who speculated that in the early days of man, being singled out and stared at was a prelude to being eaten by a predator.
Speak Out
Since speaking in public is perceived as difficult, those who attempt it and master it are admired in society. That is no surprise, considering the fact that every prestigious position requires public speaking skills: teachers, professors, lawyers, politicians, clergy. Yet, the ability to stand up to three people or three hundred and convey information is not, in fact, very difficult. Having the ability to do so, provides the opportunity for advancement in careers, in the community, and in social circles.
In order to minimize and eventually dissipate the fear engendered by having all eyes and ears turned towards the speaker, he has to do it often and he has to do it in front of as many different audiences as possible.
Familiarity in the spotlight reduces the irrational terror of being alone and outnumbered onstage. Instead the public speaker becomes an integral “part of” and “spokesperson for” the crowd. If the proposed speaker is taking a class, he should raise his hand to answer questions -- often. He should volunteer to explain concepts, and challenge opinions.
Get Involved
To expand public-speaking practice, attend community, political, or educational sessions or panels. Often the question and answer portions are conducted in front of a large crowd with a microphone. Asking a question in an intimidating venue takes a few seconds of courage, but it allows the potential speaker to articulate a thought in a challenging environment where the spotlight is minimal. If the questioner stumbles, stutters, or goes blank, no one is going to remember that brief interval five minutes later.
Calling in to a radio station to ask a question or voice an opinion is another productive public speaking exercise. Writing a letter to the opinion-editorial page of a newspaper allows potential speakers to formulate their thoughts in an articulate and professional tone, which is essential for public speaking.
Practice Public Speaking
It does not take a lot of money to learn about effective public speaking. There are free organizations to join for the purpose of honing public speaking skills. Every city has a local chapter of Toastmasters International. These groups, comprised of people from every socioeconomic strata, meet in a public place once a week (usually very early in the morning), to practice and to analyze each other’s speeches.
People who attend church, have innumerable opportunities to practice public speaking. Inquire about lay ministries, which often require lectors, Religious Educators, or ministry volunteers for charities.
There are educational organizations in every community that allow potential speakers to learn the ropes: Parent Teacher Association, School Board Task Sessions, and Volunteer Boards. Joining a homeowner’s association, provides many opportunities to speak in front of a crowd. Last, for the politically inclined, joining a local civic group is bound to provide innumerable opportunities to learn how to stand up and deliver a good speech.
