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By Paul Evans
Like most pubic speaking consultants, I usually hammer all the
reasons a person should not be afraid of presenting. However,
the more coaching I do, the more I realize the fear is legit.
People should be afraid of getting in front of a group.
While there is a lot to gain from speaking publicly, there is
also a lot to lose. Here are seven reasons to be scared…
Number One: No skill.
Would you want someone repairing your car that knows nothing
about mechanics? The average speaker receives no training,
takes no classes, and doesn’t read one book on presenting. He
or she expects to do an adequate job with no experience.
Number Two: Not Fearing Death
The OLD adage is that public speaking is the #1 fear. If you
would RATHER die than speak, then you don’t need to be
speaking. Period.
If you spillover Niagara Falls walking a tightrope, you’re
going to die and it will all be over. When speaking you won’t
die. You’ll live to face the embarrassment, the whispers, and
the snickers. But you’ll still be alive. If you look forward
to
a Niagara, yet look away from speaking then put on your swim
trunks and stay away from the podium.
Number Three: Failing to Organize.
One of my services is critiquing the outlines of speakers. On
average the format and structure is elementary at best and
confusing at worse. It’s as if the speaker’s brain spewed out
on a sheet of paper and left it at that. Organizing does not
take long, nor is it difficult, but only a handful do it
successfully. Without a proper outline the fear is
understandable.
Number Four: Confusing Writing and Speaking
Writing is formal. People rarely forgive errors in spelling
and
grammar. From this article I’ll get several people attempting
to
correct me. However, there is room for error when speaking.
The
ears are very forgiving and the brain is sharp enough to fill
in the blanks.
Speakers get tripped up when they try to talk like they write.
They become more academic and antiseptic and who wants to
listen to someone like that. How many college professors did
you find hypnotizing? Do you remind yourself of a monotone
bore? Frightening, yes?
Number Five: Trying to Survive.
“I just want to get through the speech and get it over with.”
If that is your attitude then be afraid. Chances are extremely
high that you will not do well. “Survival” causes you to do
and
say things you wouldn’t without the duress.
Number Six: Lack of Commitment
This ties into the first point. The majority of speakers do a
single presentation and that’s it. No problem. A book can help
them. On the other hand, there are thousands of monthly, or
even daily presenters who fail to make marked improvement.
Why?
No commitment.
You can’t take one class and do brain surgery. You can’t
attend
one seminar and suddenly become a tax expert. The same with
speaking. One book, class, or course will not create
excellence. To become the best you have to commit yourself to
long term achievement.
Number Seven: The Freeze Factor
Chances are high that you will forget something and freeze
during your speech. Unless you know how to play it off, or use
the moment, you will look uncomfortable, or even stupid.
People
will talk about it afterwards. They will mention how they felt
sorry for you.
It seems that folks are always looking for ways to be afraid.
Well, you just got seven reasons. The question is: What are
you
going to do about it?
About The Author: Paul Evans is the executive creator of
Instant Speaking Success. His company has helped over 35,000
speakers avoid the fear and strengthen their skills. If you
just want to survive one speech go to
wwwGreatPublicSpeaking.com If you’re committed to
becoming a speaker visit www.InstantSpeakingSuccess.com
and click the speaking success zone.
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