Find Your Voice

If you say public speaking, you get a prize. Most Americans are more afraid of talking in front of other people than they are of dying. I get it. Well, sort of. I was afraid of being in front of people, so I decided to face my fear and joined my high school forensics team and competed in public speaking. Turns out, I liked it. I liked it so much that I competed in college too!

Go ahead, say it. I must be crazy. I’ve heard it before, and while I don’t disagree, it doesn’t have anything with public speaking. People jump out of perfectly good airplanes, race cars at deadly speed, and climb dangerous mountains. Why? They love the adrenalin rush you get in facing their fear. I’m not any different. The rush of facing your fear and doing it so well that other people are listening to ever word? That is an incredible feeling

Over the years I worked with people on their public speaking skills. I even spent a couple of years as a high school forensics coach and took kids each year to districts, regionals, states, and nationals. It’s safe to say I have a little bit of experience in working with people on talking in front of other people. From my experience there are two major areas people worry about: being in front of people, and the mechanics of being a good speaker.

I’ve been talking to people and I’m thinking of putting together a workshop on public speaking. Part examination on why we’re afraid and part tips and tricks to help with the most common things people don’t like about public speaking. I’d love to get your thoughts – please take this quick survey!

Sound like a certain theme park mouse when you try talking in front of people? I’ve got a trick to help with that. Sway side-to-side while you present? I’ve got a tip to keep your feet still and increase your confidence. Don’t like looking at all those people looking at you? Honestly, there’s no quick fix for that one but I’ve got some ideas on how to be more comfortable while you work on your fear.

Are you afraid of public speaking? Why? Would you be interested in a workshop to help you become a more confident speaker? Would you or someone you know want to attend a two-hour virtual workshop? If there’s enough interest I could do more with different focuses (students versus professionals, content development and presentation design, etc). Share your thoughts with me!

Let me know if a public speaking workshop would be of interest to anyone!