Be a More Confident Public Speaker

Summary

In this webcast, the host addresses the common fear of public speaking shared by 70% of the population, introducing the 'Triple P' method to help overcome anxiety. The method emphasizes preparation, including knowing the subject and organizing points logically. It also covers posture and physicality, suggesting natural body language and breathing techniques. Lastly, it advises pandering to the audience by being engaging and using humor. The host encourages viewers to follow the 'Triple P' checklist to master public speaking.

Takeaways

• 😨 Public speaking is a common fear, with an estimated 70% of the population experiencing it.
• 📈 The term 'glossophobia' refers to the fear of public speaking, literally meaning 'fear of the tongue'.
• 🔍 A study by Texas Christian University found that individuals with high trait anxiety exhibited more physical symptoms of distress during public speaking.
• 📝 The Triple P method is introduced as a strategy to help manage anxiety and perform well in public speaking situations.
• 📋 Preparation is key to public speaking success, emphasizing knowing the subject matter and planning the presentation step by step.
• 🎯 Organize major points logically on a worksheet to structure the speech, starting with an engaging fact or anecdote, followed by supporting evidence, and ending with a memorable conclusion.
• 🍽️ Avoid heavy meals or dairy before speaking to prevent physical discomfort that could distract from the speech.
• 💧 Stay hydrated by bringing water to the stage, which can also serve as a moment to pause and regain composure.
• 🕴️ Maintain good posture and natural body language to facilitate breathing and convey confidence to the audience.
• 🤝 Engage with the audience by not being overly serious, using natural pacing, and incorporating humor to keep them interested and on your side.
• 📋 Recap the Triple P checklist: Prepare extensively, watch posture and physicality, and pander to the audience to ensure a successful public speaking experience.

Q & A

What percentage of the population is estimated to have an intense fear of public speaking?

It is estimated that 70% of the population has an intense fear of public speaking.

What is the medical term for the fear of public speaking?

The medical term for the fear of public speaking is glossophobia, which literally means fear of the tongue.

What did the study by Texas Christian University find about individuals with high trait anxiety?

The study found that individuals with high trait anxiety exhibited the most physical symptoms of distress when speaking publicly.

What is the Triple P method mentioned in the script?

The Triple P method is a strategy to help individuals overcome their fear of public speaking, which includes preparation, posture and physicality, and pandering to the audience.

What are the two key components of being prepared for a speech according to the script?

The two key components of being prepared are knowing your subject matter backwards and forwards and knowing exactly how you're going to present it step by step.

How should one start their speech to hook the audience in?

One should start with a fact or an anecdote that will hook the audience in and get them to pay attention.

What should be the final part of a speech according to the script?

The final part of a speech should be a landing blow, which is a memorable, convincing statement that sums up the speech's position.

Why is it recommended to avoid large meals or dairy products before a speech?

It is recommended to avoid these because they can make the speaker feel like they need to clear their throat incessantly, which could be distracting.

What is the role of posture and physicality in managing anxiety during a speech?

Good posture and physicality help the speaker breathe and speak easier, and it conveys to the audience that the speaker is calm and in control.

How can a speaker keep the audience engaged during their speech?

A speaker can keep the audience engaged by not being completely serious, using natural cadence and pace, and incorporating jokes or self-effacing comments.

What should a speaker do if there is a moment of silence during their speech?

If there is a moment of silence, the speaker should turn it into a joke or use it as an opportunity to make a self-effacing comment to keep the audience on their side.