Tips to help you control the fear # 1 Fear  People are more afraid of public speaking than are afraid of snakes, heights and even death  41% of the population experiences speech anxiety disorder  85% feel uncomfortable when asked to speak publicly Famous People Suffering From Speech Anxiety  Sir Lawrence Olivier  Carly Simon  Mahatma Ghandi  Barbara Striesand  Joaquin Phoenix  John Lennon  Chaka Khan  Amanda Peet “There are two kinds of speakers: those who are nervous and those who are liars.” - Mark Twain  Experiencing Speech anxiety doesn’t mean you cannot be effective  Anxiety can be used in a powerful way  Energy  Excitement  Adrenalin  Speech anxiety is a direct function of our perception of the situation  The good news is. . . . . . . PERCEPTIONS CAN CHANGE!!! Speech anxiety is a cycle Avoidance  Avoiding jobs if they involve public speaking  Turn down promotions if they involve public speaking  Students base their major on whether or not a public speaking course is required Tips for controlling public speaking  Develop an optimistic attitude towards speaking  Don’t procrastinate preparing your speech  Set realistic goals  Pare down subject  Not too long  Cover what you know Tips cont.  Realize the audience WANTS you to succeed  Prepare  Use slow, deep breathing before and during your talk to help reduce physical tension  Practice Tips cont.  Use visual aids  Takes some focus off you  Provides interest  Use “gimmicks”  Role plays  skits  poems  music  audience interaction Don’t Forget. . . . . YOU HAVE TO DO IT.