Lecture 9 Nervousness

Summary

In Lecture Nine, the speaker addresses nervousness and anxiety in public speaking, emphasizing the importance of viewing these feelings as experiences rather than suffering. The lecture delves into the prevalence of glossophobia, or fear of public speaking, and offers strategies to manage it, such as planning, preparing, and practicing. The speaker also advises against admitting nervousness to the audience, as it can distract from the message and increase one's own anxiety. Tips for reducing nervousness include choosing topics wisely, visualizing success, and releasing tension through deep breathing or meditation. The lecture encourages embracing imperfection and welcoming the experience of sharing information with others.

Takeaways

• 😌 Nervousness and anxiety are normal experiences, and the speaker prefers to 'experience' rather than 'suffer' from them, as it's a learning opportunity.
• 📊 Glossophobia, or fear of public speaking, is widespread, with 27 million people in the U.S. experiencing it, making it a common concern.
• 📚 The lecturer encourages students to embrace the learning opportunity from nervousness and to view it as a tool for personal growth.
• 🤔 The importance of not admitting nervousness to the audience is emphasized, as it can increase one's own anxiety and distract the audience from the message.
• 🚫 The script strongly advises against telling the audience about one's nervousness, as it can undermine credibility and focus.
• 📈 Three key strategies to manage nervousness are presented: Plan, Prepare, and Practice, which are crucial for reducing anxiety.
• 🔍 The script discusses various reasons people may feel nervous, such as fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown, and the importance of understanding these triggers.
• 🎯 Visualization of success and choosing topics wisely are suggested as effective methods for managing nervousness.
• 👀 Making eye contact and smiling at the audience can help release tension and create a positive atmosphere.
• 🙅‍♂️ The lecturer insists on not apologizing during presentations, instead using 'excuse me' to correct any mistakes, to maintain authority and credibility.
• 💪 Embracing imperfection and welcoming the experience of public speaking are encouraged as part of the personal development process.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Lecture Nine?

The main topic of Lecture Nine is nervousness and anxiety, specifically focusing on nervousness related to public speaking.

Why does the speaker prefer to use the term 'experience' instead of 'suffer' when discussing nervousness?

The speaker prefers the term 'experience' because it frames nervousness as a natural and potentially beneficial part of life, rather than something negative and burdensome.

How many people in the U.S. experience a fear of public speaking according to the lecture?

According to the lecture, approximately 27 million people in the U.S. experience a fear of public speaking.

What is glossophobia?

Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking.

What are the three P's mentioned as strategies to reduce nervousness?

The three P's mentioned are Plan, Prepare, and Practice.

Why should you never tell your audience that you are nervous?

You should never tell your audience that you are nervous because it can increase your own nervousness and distract the audience from your message, causing them to focus on your nervousness instead.

What are some common reasons people experience nervousness when speaking in public?

Common reasons include not liking people staring at them, fear of failure or rejection, fear of the unknown, and past negative experiences.

What is the Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety (PRPSA)?

The PRPSA is an assessment tool developed by Dr. McCroskey to measure an individual's level of anxiety related to public speaking.

What should you do if you make a mistake during a presentation?

If you make a mistake during a presentation, you should say 'excuse me' and correct the mistake without apologizing.

How can nervousness be beneficial according to the lecture?

Nervousness can be beneficial because it indicates that something matters to you and can propel you towards greatness if you harness it properly.