Reader questions and feedback on public speaking issues. Also refer to speeches, presentation, writing, preparation, fear, anxiety, nervousness, stuttering, Toastmasters, evaluation, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Public Speaking:
Champion
The following 6 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- Avoiding stage fright
- Wants to be a speaking champion
- Mind went blank
- How to ask boss for a raise
- Wants to branch out into paid speaking
- Course design
Avoiding stage fright
Question
October 16, 2007
How can one avoid stage flight in speaking in public?
Doris - UK
14559
Answer
Did you look at our lesson in Overcoming Fear of Speaking at:
http://www.school-for-champions.com/speaking/fear.htm
That should help you.
Wants to be a speaking champion
Question
June 21, 2007
I am so impressed by the knowledge i am gaining from your website. Do you offer a course with certificate on completion? I really want to be a Champion in Public Speaking and I am ready to study it to the last level.
Onneile . - Botswana
13969
Answer
I am glad that the material has been helping you. Unfortunately, we do not offer a course with certification at this time. But if you live in or near Gaborone, Molepolole or Selebi-Phikwe, you could join a Toastmaster Club there. They have a very good program for moving up in Public Speaking. The cost is very reasonable. At the very least, look into it, if you are able.
See: http://www.toastmasters.org/find/ and follow directions to get the contact information.
Best wishes on becoming a speaking champion. I know that you will succeed.
Mind went blank
Question
June 3, 2005
Hi my name is Alex and I am currently in 9th grade. Today we had to go up infront of the class and present a 15-20 line monologue. I ended up being the last person that still had to say their monologue so i was nervous. I had practiced it for over 2 hours the night before and knew the monologue backwards and forwards. When I got up infront of the class I just froze and was unable to say the monologue. The teacher told me to stay after class and say the monologue to him but I couldn't because I was still in shock. In class I usually always talk expressively on a regular basis and I've made speeches and recited monlogues in front of people before. Basically, I am trying to ask you what went wrong and why did i freeze up infront of the class? I also want to know what I can do to improve my public speaking skills and make sure that my next monologue or speech with go more smoothly.
- USA
7165
Answer
A fear of speakers, actors in a play and singers is that the mind will just go blank and they will not be able to perform. I guess that having to wait so long to give you talk, you just went blank.
One solution is to calm yourself down by preparing the audience for your talk. Take you time going up front. Allow them to get settled. Then start with a pat introduction, something like: "Fellow students. Mr. Johnson. The title of my talk is 'bla, bla bla'." This all allows your mind to relax and your tongue to get loose.
Another thing to prime the pump is to have a 3x5 card in your hand with a few key words or phrases. Some will hold a packed of 3x5 cards to glance at if they get stuck during their talk. Just the fact that you have this "safety net" will allow you to relax and give your talk with ease.
I hope these ideas help. I'm sure you'll be able to do well the next time around.
How to ask boss for a raise
Question
February 23, 2005
how to talk in front fo boss about increment salary iam giving a very good business to him but he is he is not increasing my salary always he says there is now business how can i increase your salary wait for sometime i will increase your salary but he is not increasing since from two years. so feel very sad . so what i have to do in this regards. tell me.
imtiyaz - india
6091
Answer
Instead of trying to talk to your boss to try to convince him to give you a raise, you want to make yourself so valuable to him and his company that he will want to give you a raise to avoid losing you to a competitor.
Continue to do a good job and even volunteer to do things that will help the company. Ask him how you can help. (But don't mention money.) Increase your skills and get a reputation as an outstanding worker. But also keep your eyes open for other opportunities.
The whole idea in the salary game is not to think of an incremental raise today, but rather look at a huge raise and promotion down the road. If you become so valuable, that will happen without having to ask for it.
Best wishes in your career. I know you will succeed and become a champion.
Wants to branch out into paid speaking
Question
January 25, 2004
I am looking for a public speaking mentor. Although I've done some public speaking in the past and loved it, I would like to branch out and become a paid speaker. I have several speeches in progress, but need guidance. My area of expertise is starting over, finding your strength in overcoming adversity. At this time my only product to sell is myself and I have no interest in selling anything other than myself. Can you direct me? I would appreciate any thoughts you have for me. Thank you for your time.
Sharon -
2110
Answer
Probably the best place to get information on the business of becoming a paid speaker is through the National Speakers Association. Check their site at:
http://www.nsaspeaker.org/
to find a chapter in your area. In this way, you can meet other professional speakers. They often have mentoring programs to help newcomers get started.
The book "Speak and Grow Rich" by Dottie Walters provides many practical tips of being a professional speakers.
Toastmasters is a good way to polish short speeches and to get weekly practice speaking. Check: http://www.toastmasters.org to find a club in your area.
Best wishes in your speaking career.
Course design
Question
November 26, 2003
Please send me a course design for a 10 days Public speaking teaching programme.Please mention the inputs ( performance by trainer) and outputs( performance by participants) for each day.I shalll be thankful for the same.
With warm regards,
Mukesh Thirani.
MUKESH -
1383
Answer
A good source for that material would be Toastmasters. To find a club in your area, check: http://www.toastmasters.org/find
A local club could give you their course design.
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