Can only the brave be public speakers?
August 9th, 2010 | 
Author: Many people hold back from public speaking because of nerves and a feeling that they are not ‘cut out for it’. Whilst it is true that some people have natural abilities and seem to lack fear in this area that does not mean that you can’t become a successful public speaker with the right attitude and training.
Nerves can be overcome as confidence in one’s own ability is built up with proper training. Most people are very nervous the first time they get behind the wheel of a car and learn to drive but they persevere because they know millions of other people can drive. They have seen their friends and family members learn and were probably amazed in some cases that they could become good drivers.
With public speaking it is a little different because the average person will know very few if any people that they have seen go from nervous to competent in their speaking ability. They therefore assume that it is a gift that they don’t have. This is a MYTH! You can speak in public! If you can speak to a friend, work colleague or customer you can learn some additional skills and gain confidence so that you can speak to many, even total strangers.
Investing in yourself is one of the best things you can ever do and people that can stand before an audience will become more confident in everyday life situations as well. Employers look to such people and award them accordingly. In business such confidence can help to promote a business and increase customers. To be able to speak at networking events, seminars and trade shows will really benefit any business.
Don’t delay – go out and learn how to speak in public. Use my contact form and I will show you how I can help you achieve your goal.
Posted in business, personal, Public Speaking, speaking techniques | 
Tags: brave, fear, Public Speaking
One of the good maxims about public speaking is never to turn your back on the audience. In my case I stick to it so that they can’t see the yellow stripe up my back!
Roland is right, you don’t need to be brave. If you’ve not done it before being part of a local networking group will give you the chance to try it in a benevolent environment where people want to help you succeed.
All of us who do it regularly had to start somewhere and the more you do the easier it gets.
Come on and give it a try.
When it comes to speaking its PRACTICE that makes the difference. If you don’t drive for a while you feel a little nervous for a while – because you are out of practice. You need to keep your hand in.
I don’t think it’s a question of being brave. Personality plays a factor here as well as a desire to achieve. However there will always be people who just find it all too daunting – they have set it in their minds that they can’t do it – therefore they won’t. They will look at people who are confident, good speakers and think “I will never be like that”. We have seen through networking though that they can. They have no choice but to stand up and present their 40 second slot. Some will fumble through with a piece of paper giving way too much information, some are so terrified you can hardly hear what they are saying and others will rush as if they have a train to catch. However, after a period of time and depending if they network frequently they will begin to realise that they can present themselves which clarifies Aaron’s comment – practice makes perfect
How many of us networkers spend our journey to the event going over in our minds what it is we are going to say, which area are we going to focus on and then practice it out loud all the way there ….. me for one!
Why be worried, that public speaking scares you.
Most people suffer from nerves, even seasoned professionals.
Very true John. I always teach my students that nerves are actually a good thing! Be nervous as long as we learn how to control it can keep our minds focused. Over confident people can fail to prepare and hence they fail to deliver a good presentation as a result.
Hi Lesley-Anne
You are very correct in that personality does indeed play a big part in how easy or difficult we can face an audience. Practice is key. Learn and apply is my motto.
Thanks for your comment.
Absolutely John. If you don’t try you never succeed. The only exception of ‘if your don’t succeed try, try and try again’ is skydiving! Public speaking is about practice and applying good techniques. Thanks for commenting.