One of the first posts that I wrote became a popular post early on and continues even now. Public speaking frightens us gravely and rewards us immensely. All you have to do is look at the Republican presidential debates. People notice public speaking. The person who can speak well gets noticed and heard.
Think of President Ronald Reagan. He became known as the “Great Communicator.” I can see him now cocking his head as he spoke. People listened because he spoke well and knew how to communicate and connect with people.
One of the biggest misconceptions about public speaking (and most other strong qualities as well) is that some people are born to speak, lead, and communicate. My contention is that good communicators have some innate ability and a great deal of training and hard work. I’ve noticed in life that you can become better at speaking as you study and practice communication skills.
We all know that speaking in public can be frightening. Martha and I well remember when she had a Saints offensive lineman speak to her fourth grade class. Long before this massive man finished speaking he was sweating bullets. A group of fourth graders cowed this otherwise confident man.
You don’t have to be overcome by speaking in public. My post offered my views of how to become a better public speaker in Tips for Becoming A Better Public Speaker. These are simply practices that I have used through the years.
I hope that they can bless you in some small way as you bless the people around you by speaking well. You can see my entire series in My Series On Public Speaking.
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2 Responses
Reminds me of Rickey Jackson. Thanks.
Just read your posts, as suggested. Ah, no wonder I am not a good public speaker. I remember my neighbor saying to me, “I saw your brother on TV the other day. I didn’t know you had a brother!” I was addressing the Jefferson Parish Council. People like to put brackets around others in their minds and expectations. Since I had been under her house to remove another neighbor’s dead cat the week before, it was inconcievable someone could lower themselves, expose themselves, to such stench and be presentable to an esteemed group. The stench of both can be unbearable. Yet one must in service be reminded of Philippans 4:13. I don’t think Paul was making an endurance statement but an action statement of service; do you? He was expressing his thankfulness for the earthly Body of Christ; the ones who “packed his chute.”
Thanks again May familiarity not breed too much contempt. ;-).