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:
Knowledge
The following 2 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
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A good talker is not a speaker but an entertainer
Question
July 28, 2008
The issue of knowledge and technique co-relation in public speaking has been an issue of diverse views. some think speakers are born, while some think they are made. My view on these theories is that, those speakers that claimed to be born, only became speakers by either social or geographical influence not predestination.But some biological traits can make one to be more talkative than the other. In speaking, you can only convince when you have strong points, which can only be enumerated and explained through knowledge. A talkative person without knowledge can only be an entertainer.
Babangida - Nigeria
16294
Answer
Some people are born with talents that give them the potential to be good speakers. Having a good speaking voice, a dramatic flair and an outgoing personality are very helpful in becoming a public speaker. But to truly be a public speaker, a person needs to have something informative to say and must present that material in an effective manner.
I agree with you that without knowledge and a good speech a person who has the ability to speak well is not a public speaker but an entertainer.
In college at 55 and thinking of speaking
Question
May 14, 2006
I am age 55, in college again, wanting to be an RN, but all of my teachers tell me that I should be a Public Speaker. I love to talk, I love to teach, so, where do I go from here? I love teen-agers, but I also have a message for the elderly about never giving up-on life-on dreams. Where do I go from here?
Thanks,
Barbara - USA
11105
Answer
Public speaking can be done in coordination with a regular job. But you can also try to become a full-time professional speaker.
You must also have some dreams about helping people through nursing. Also, if you love to teach, perhaps you should consider that area too. The point is that you need to establish a focus and direction that perhaps will fill in all of your talents and dreams.
A good starting point is to join a local Toastmasters Club to hone your speaking skills. See: http://www.toastmasters.org/find/ to find some clubs in your area. They usually meet several times a month in the evening, and the cost is reasonable.
If you are serious about becoming a professional speaker, see: http://www.nsaspeaker.org/ to find a chapter of the National Speakers Asso. in your area.
Finally, check out the site of Barb Bartlein. She is an RN who has established a successful speaking and consulting career. See: http://www.thepeoplepro.com
Best wishes in your new career.
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