Reasons not to like public speaking

(and some suggestions for dealing with them)

Katie Streten

Imagination

Reasons not to like public speaking

(and some suggestions for

dealing with them)

Katie Streten

Imagination

Content

• A bit about me

• Personal experiences

• A word about powerpoint

• Conclusion

A bit about me

• Head of Strategy in Imagination/ Digital

• 2 presentation courses

• LAMDA Spoken English Intermediate qualification

• Hate asking questions once a speaker has finished

Reason 1

“No one will be interested in what I’ve got to say”

Reason 1 – No one will be interested

• They are there!

• You have been asked to speak

• Think about them what can you give them

Reason 2

“I will start speaking and go completely blank”

Reason 2 – I will start speaking and go completely blank

• Prepare – Write your script out long hand

• Read it to a friend, partner or yourself (repeat ad nauseam)

• Write card notes

• Highlight key moments

• Don’t practice too much!

Reason 3 - I’m afraid everyone will find out that I’m a fraud

“I’m afraid that everyone will find out that I’m a fraud”

Reason 3 – I’m afraid everyone will find out that I’m a fraud

• You have been asked for your opinion/ to speak

• Everyone thinks this! Oprah Winfrey to Armando Ianucci

• “the fear of being found out for being a bit rubbish.“

Reason 4

“I will look out over the crowd, see their faces and go blank”

Reason 4 – I will look out over the crowd, see their faces and freeze

• Don’t look at the crowd!• Pick 3 spots to the left,

middle and back• Place your mate at the

back to smile at you!• They are more

interested your talk than you

Reason 5

“I will lose my place and just stall!”

Reason 5 – I will lose my place and just stall

• Cards (again)

• Practice (again)

• The audience are on your side

• ‘Fess up!

Reason 6

“I will ask something that everyone else understands. I will look like a complete idiot.”

Reason 6 – I will ask something that everyone else understands. I will look like a complete idiot.

• Most other people are thinking exactly the same as you

• It’s their problem not yours

• You are helping someone in the audience

Reason 6

“It feels artificial. It should feel like a conversation, I hate the awkward feeling.”

Reason 7 – It feels artificial. It should feel more like a conversation.

• The audience hate it too!

• Say “Hello”

• Move your arms at waist height

• Don’t have a rigid script

A word about Powerpoint

• Bullet points

• Pictures

Conclusion

• People genuinely want to hear what you have to say

• Think about your audience – what can you give them?

• If all else fails…..

• Please try and remember the detail of 1 speech you have heard in your life

• …..exactly.

Katie Streten

• Twitter.com/watusi

• Eyesponge.com and imagination.com

• Slideshare.net/imagination_digital