Stage Fright

The fear of public speaking is also known as Glossophobia, or Stage Fright.  Its the largest phobia believed to affect around 75% of the population.   Its rears it head and people form all walks of life, may use all sorts of tactics to avoid it. and is such a handy thing to have confident with.  Surprisingly its not always about standing on a large stage giving formal presentations, it can impact at a more local level when speaking one on one to clients or a group of colleagues in the workplace.

The Speaker

Public speaking is often considered among one of the most importantly valued skills that an individual can possess.  As can be seen on the current television programme ‘The Speaker’ where a group of kids are being coached in this area.  Last night (15.04.09) they were invited by Earl Spencer (himself a Public Speaking Coach) to his stately home at Althorp in Northamptonshire.  The children were set various speaking challenges that culminated in each of the 8-contestants genning up on the history of a room at Althorp in order to act as Tour Guide to a small group of specially invited guests, some of which had been primed to chatter during the talk in order to see how the candidates handled it.  The talks comprised of only 8-minutes but the challenge proved too great for some … only one person, Maria, stood out as combining the right mix, in pace, confidence warmth, friendliness together with a good supply of accurate information and humour.

Earl Spencer

Public Speaking is about communicating information to an audience and as Earl Spencer says: “The bottom line is you have got to be interesting, you have got to be measured and you have got to have something important to say”.

Stand Up

This skill can be used in almost any area of life.  Most great speakers have a natural ability to display the skills and effectiveness that can help to engage and move an audience for the purpose.   When you consider the way a Stand Up Comedian commands an audience and the well documented aspect of their apprenticeship (so to speak) is mastering the heckles.  And this is possibly the reason for Jo Brand’s presence as a judge of the above mentioned programme, the art of the ‘put-down’ of her hecklers became a sub-aspect that she became known for.  So good training for any walk of life.

Interpersonal Communication

The use of language and rhetoric are among the two most important aspects of Public Speaking and Interpersonal Communication.  And there’s a difference between telling a good tale with friends, and delivering that on a specialty topic to a crowd of possible strangers, or people who may want to see you ‘trip up’ (a competitive work environment for example).  However I don’t think its like wide a leap, and having knowledge of your topic shouldn’t be undervalued.  In adding to these skills an understanding of the above features, it should ensure a good delivery of required information enabling an effective speaker  to blossom by communicating their message in an effectual way.

Tell me more …

If you’d like to learn more you’re welcome to an ‘introductory chat’ – see how to kick-start the process – all sessions are ‘private and confidential.

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