Does anyone out there NOT fear public speaking

veryangryman

I do a bit of it from time to time with work and what have you, and its generally grand, but gods sake the run-up to it is like being on death row!

Seinfeld himself once mentioned that the biggest fear in life is public speaking, the 2nd biggest being death. So a guy would rather be in the casket than being forced to do the eulogy! :eek:

problemchimp

I've done best man 5 times. No bother once you do a bit of preperation. Maybe speaking to sober people is tougher though.

Darragh

Have to say, I quite like it - once I'm prepared. If I have the info with me or I know what I'm talking about - generally these days that's "Boards.ie", "Customer Service" and "Twitter" - I'm great, but catch me off the hop and it freaks me out.

Saying that, my younger sister's wedding was recently and I had to do two things - read at the mass - no bother - and then give the Father of the Bride speech which was one of the most high pressure things I have ever done. Ever. Went well once I had a pint or two relaxed but wouldn't be hurrying to do it again.

Worst thing about public speaking for me? The microphones. Hate it.

For those who *do* fear it, practise makes perfect. Sounds trite to say but the more you do it, the better you get at it.

genericguy

i'm happy to do it, prepared or on the spot.

Kasabian

I don't mind it once I have the preparation done. The first time I had to do a presentation for work I didn't sleep a wink the night before but after 5 minutes everything was fine.

Snowie

as long as you know what your talking about and have a set list of what your talking about there shouldnt be a problem...

inforfun

I avoid it at all costs

I think getting kicked in the nuts is more fun.

arsenallegend

was on a debate team in school so nope no probelm as long as i know what subject i'm speaking about i'm fine.

Biggins

It don't bother me now.
I've had to address crowds of between a couple of hundred to a couple of hundred thousand.
First few times, I was wondering "fcuk - how'd I get to do this" LOL
Now I just get out there and get on with it.

MagicMarker

I read to a church full of people at my Nan's funeral when I was 17. That was not good tbh, but I couldn't exactly refuse to do it!

Now though I don't think I'd have a problem, all depends on the occasion.

Plates

Some tips below from Toastmasters. I've always wanted to go along and see what Toastmasters was like - but I never had the bottle :

Public Speaking Tips

Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows you care about doing well. But too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here’s how you can control your nervousness and make effective, memorable presentations:
1. Know the room.
Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids
2. Know the audience.
Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.
3. Know your material.
If you’re not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech and revise it if necessary.
4. Relax.
Ease tension by doing exercises.
5. Visualise yourself giving your speech.
Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and assured. When you visualise yourself as successful, you will be successful.
6. Realise that people want you to succeed.
Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. They don’t want you to fail.
7. Don’t apologise
If you mention your nervousness or apologise for any problems you think you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience’s attention to something they hadn’t noticed. Keep silent.
8. Concentrate on the message – not the medium.
Focus your attention away from your own anxieties and outwardly toward your message and your audience. Your nervousness will dissipate
9. Turn nervousness into positive energy.
Harness your nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.
10. Gain experience
Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need.

Azureus

College made me a LOT better at it, but I still cant stand it!

Im always told how relaxed and confident I come across, which is hilarious as I am hating every second

Biggins

Biggins wrote: »

It don't bother me now.
I've had to address crowds of between a couple of hundred to a couple of hundred thousand.

where do you get crowds of a couple of hundred thousand anywhere in the world??

Myself, I regularly have to give presentations at work. First 50 times were horrible, now its a breeze so long as I'm prepped

Biggins

Davegalway wrote: »

where do you get crowds of a couple of hundred thousand anywhere in the world??

Political rallies, concerts, etc.

Hell of a "buzz" afterwards also when you walk off and know you've done it well - or just even done it!
Great confidence boost after the fact.

Kasabian

Biggins wrote: »

Political rallies, concerts, etc.

Hell of a "buzz" afterwards also when you walk off and know you've done it well - or just even done it!
Great confidence boost after the fact.

I am picturing you as Forest Gump at the political rally , talking away and noone hearing you. :pac:

Wazdakka

Used to bother me back when I was under 20 and lacking in self confidence.
Piece of piss really..

consultech

Davegalway wrote: »

where do you get crowds of a couple of hundred thousand anywhere in the world??

He's Hitler.

chin_grin

Ah the oul Communications class in college. Yeah I remember we had a project to talk about whatever we wanted. I was the class idiot (I'm sure I'm paying for it now) and decided to trip, fall and roll down the stairs as I had to do my mock talk.

Nothing like a bit of observational/shock comedy to get peoples' attention. I've since dropped out of that.....I wondered why I had to do a Communications class with Chemistry. Ah well. <insert something insightful about paths/roads and being on them and getting old>

PeakOutput

if im knowledgable on the subject im meant to be talking about then i dont mind it but if i feel like im about to have to blag my way threw something i dont like it at all at all

Gyalist

I have absolutely no fear of public speaking. I guess it just comes naturally to some people and probably accounts for why it's hard for me to understand why so many people find it terrifying.

bonerm

chin_grin wrote: »

Ah the oul Communications class in college. Yeah I remember we had a project to talk about whatever we wanted. I was the class idiot

Don't knock yourself. That's a very competitive field you won against.

Biggins

consultech wrote: »

He's Hitler.

I'm more like one half of dumb and dumber!

SEPT 23 1989

Yes i would prefer to die then speak in front of a large crowd

opinion guy

Biggins wrote: »

Political rallies, concerts, etc.

Hell of a "buzz" afterwards also when you walk off and know you've done it well - or just even done it!
Great confidence boost after the fact.

holy moley what do you do ?


It used to absolutely terrify me. First time I presented I had to ahve a couple of whiskeys to calm me down. but later I got a teaching job and got quite comfortable with it. Now I don't know - out of practice. Porbably up to 20 or 30 woudln't bother me. Bigger crowds maybe I'd be nervous.

I think the key thing is to know your material. The other thing is the audience. If the audience are very knowledgable on the topic that can be intimidating.

Personally thou, I much prefer to write. I can express myself much more clearly

PeakOutput

i remember our head boy in 6th year giving a speech at our graduation he was a bit of a geek but everyone loved him

you could tell he was nervous but when he lifted his hand to fix his glasses he was shaking so badly everyone (about 400 people) let out a massive 'AWWWWWWW' that got him laughing and he was grand then

Minstrel27

I dread talking about something even in front of people I know. My voice goes all shaky and so on.

chin_grin

bonerm wrote: »

Don't knock yourself. That's a very competitive field you won against.

Ah quoting in context. Now you've made me paranoid sir. So I'm gonna take the no road and go........that way.

NothingMan

I really don't mind it but I have had little occassion to do it. I gave my sister away and gave a small speech. Kept it very VERY short. More because I hate listening to the speeches and didn't want to annoy anyone.

Never minded the college presentations but I always spoke very fast. It wasn't until I left college and started a tech support job I learned to control my voice. After countless customers asking me to repeat what I said or speak slower I had to learn. I still speak quite fast, especially when excited but much more clearly.

I was on a jury recently and it was crazy how 10 people straight away refused to be foreman because they would have to speak in court, only me and an older gentleman were up for it but I let him do it, age before beauty and all.

Gmol

If you are prepared it is no problem, pick certain safe spots in the distance of the audience and look at them so people think you are looking at them.

Sofiztikated

Doesn't bother me in the slightest.

I quite enjoy it actually, I don't get to do it enough.

Have given talks in front of 10-150 people, both friends and strangers. Get a bit of butterflies, but I use it to pep me up.

Used to have quite a thick Monaghan/Nordie accent, but learned to plain it out a bit as I work in hotels, and the foddiners did't understand me.

Funkfield

I'm happy enough to do it, but I'm a funny f*cker.

omahaid

I've done it a good few times and still get nervous before. Must give my own groom speech tomorrow, wish me luck!!

FunGoose

Biggins wrote: »

Political rallies, concerts, etc.

Hell of a "buzz" afterwards also when you walk off and know you've done it well - or just even done it!
Great confidence boost after the fact.

Biggins is Bono!! It all makes sense now.

Personally, I hate/fear public speaking, I'd love to be able for it, I'll put it on my list.

Earthhorse

Yeah, I have no problem speaking with public speaking really. Can't understand the issues most people have. You're generally being asked to talk about something you know so what's the problem?

LenaClaire

I love public speaking. I think it is a lot of fun. Although, I did study theatre in university so maybe I am just in love with being on stage.

anniehoo

I absolutely hate it with a passion.Did anyone see Greys Anatomy on tuesday when Callie was trying to do her presentation...im like that. Im grand one on one explaining to people but put me in front of a crowd and im bits.

Would looooove to get over it!

opinion guy

omahaid wrote: »

I've done it a good few times and still get nervous before. Must give my own groom speech tomorrow, wish me luck!!

Good luck! Congrats!

Dudess

chin_grin wrote: »

Ah the oul Communications class in college. Yeah I remember we had a project to talk about whatever we wanted. I was the class idiot (I'm sure I'm paying for it now) and decided to trip, fall and roll down the stairs as I had to do my mock talk.

Nothing like a bit of observational/shock comedy to get peoples' attention.

I talked about movie censorship - had a really formal thing written out, which I kept referring to. Then, in the middle of it, the teacher took me aside and told me it was too prepped and unnatural and I was clearly uncomfortable, so to go back and start again without the script. So I basically just started an informal chat about movie censorship and it went really well.

Aidric

Nerves are to be expected and totally natural. As others have said practice and familiarising yourself with the topic at hand give you confidence before you even start.
The first 3-4 mins are usually the worst. If you get through these without any major cock ups then you will relax in to it and even end up enjoying it in the end.

old hippy

I get more nervous if it's in front of a gathering of friends/family. Don't mind a roomful of strangers.

I used to work in radio, so I got over the nerves thing pretty fast

--LOS--

I hate public speaking but it is generally lack of preparation that makes you more nervous, I once preped a presentation the morning of it, that didn't go so well

Also hate when someone else goes before you who is obviously nervous, that is quite unsettling.

It is far better to do it though than bail out, and talk slow and loud.

I also tactically use a dark background for presentations so I don't have to see the people so much

gollem_1975

Toastmasters FTW

I recommend anyone to go along and check out their local toastmasters club.

there are Toastmasters clubs all over the country ( I am a member of Clontarf Marino Toastmasters ).

I used to dread and avoid any occasion where I would have to speak in front of people. eg: team meetings at work

I still experience nerves before I speak in public but I now actually enjoy it! its a real buzz once you get control of your nerves.

At toastmasters you learn to control this nervousness ( as well as learning about speechcraft ) in a fun, friendly and supportive environment.

Don't be afraid to come along and visit a club. everyone else at the club was once that person who had the same feelings of self doubt when they first thought about joining so if you sit there and say nothing thats absolutely cool. If you want to say something at a meeting thats also cool. by attending a meeting you have nothing to lose but about 2 hours of your time.

One other thing. toastmaster clubs could do with a few more men! so don't be shy , come along.

ps: if you want to find out if there is a club in your area I will advise you if you pm me.

gollem_1975

Earthhorse wrote: »

Yeah, I have no problem speaking with public speaking really. Can't understand the issues most people have. You're generally being asked to talk about something you know so what's the problem?

you are in the minority. good for you.

a lot of people are afraid of dogs too but another person can think it strange to be afraid of dogs...or spiders for that matter!

c'est la vie

mickdw

I hate it so much. I was forced to do it for college & I am so hopeless, its just not funny. Mind goes blank, I start talking fast, run over all prepared points too quickly. Disaster.

gollem_1975

Aidric wrote: »

Nerves are to be expected and totally natural. As others have said practice and familiarising yourself with the topic at hand give you confidence before you even start.

very true , practice and preparation is essential

Aidric wrote: »

The first 3-4 mins are usually the worst. If you get through these without any major cock ups then you will relax in to it and even end up enjoying it in the end.

I can add my 6c to this.

Learn the beginning of your speech and the ending of your speech off by heart if you can.

these are among the most memorable parts of the speech for the audience.
it will give you more confidence to get through the early stage of the speech and also if things aren't going well for you in the body of the speech you can finish off with a polished ending

Earthhorse

gollem_1975 wrote: »

you are in the minority. good for you.

a lot of people are afraid of dogs too but another person can think it strange to be afraid of dogs...or spiders for that matter!

c'est la vie

I would say that the fear of public speaking is more common place than a fear of dogs. If someone's afraid of dogs it's more likely to be a phobia than the kind of fear most people seem to have of public speaking.

It's not that I don't get being nervous in front of a crowd, I would be too, but the nerves settle once you start into the body of your speech.

ottostreet

im grand with it now. work in dj'ing/radio, so ya get over it. it was teenage gigs that helped me get over it...being faced with being on stage in front of 800-1000 screaming teenagers, and having to get them revved up only using your own voice is ****ing daunting, but once youve succeeded in doing it, its an immense feeling.

i get more nervous going on the mic in a pub/club where i know a lot of people...strangers are easier.

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

Ickle Magoo

It doesn't really bother me. I used to be terrified to speak out in a group never mind deliver a public speech but then I joint an amateur dramatics group and got cast in various roles with funny accents and what have you - on opening night I threw up I was so scared but a couple of lines into it, I started to really enjoy it and public speaking has never carried the same terror since.

Now I regularly work with large numbers of students and interactive boards while group teaching and it doesn't phase me at all. Know your piece and your equipment, rehearse & practice until you know it inside out and try some breathing techniques to calm the nerves before you kick off if you are feeling a bit shaky. :cool:

SoulTrader

I spoke recently at my wedding and though I was nervous (and lacking alcohol) beforehand, once I got started, it wasn't so bad. I guess it's the fear of failure / making an idiot of yourself that scares people beforehand.

Gmol wrote: »

If you are prepared it is no problem, pick certain safe spots in the distance of the audience and look at them so people think you are looking at them.

Had a lecturer in college who could have used that advice. He would spend the whole class staring (proper staring, like a madman) at the steps in the lecture hall. Then he would walk across the front of the hall, and stare at the steps on the other side. It was cringe worthy.

gollem_1975

Earthhorse wrote: »

I would say that the fear of public speaking is more common place than a fear of dogs. If someone's afraid of dogs it's more likely to be a phobia than the kind of fear most people seem to have of public speaking.

I'm not a medical professional but fear of public speaking sounds like a phobia to me

Phobia - an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation