I’m a big believer in ongoing learning. To this day I still study things that I know that I’m good at. It’s goes to the success principle of “sharpening the saw” – or honing your skills. This list has books, audios, and videos that can greatly improve your public speaking skills.
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10 Public Speaking Resources
February 18, 2010 By 1 Comment
Act “As-if”
February 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
When it comes to public speaking, there’s usually two types of people:
- Those who LOVE it
- Those who HATE it
I know that hate is a strong word but I think it’s an appropriate description of those who have a fear of public speaking. For the majority of people the latter is true. There’s a lot that you can do to work on your fear: deep breathing exercises, practice, hypnosis, etc. However, what if you’re still not at the level you want to be but still have to give a speech or presentation?
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Public Speaking Quote – June 14th, 2009
June 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity” – Albert Einstein
I know this is not necessarily a quote directly about public speaking fear. However, I like this quote because it reminds me that every problem has an opportunity for success. In this case, the difficulty is the fear of public speaking. The opportunity is the option to put aside the fear and make a difference by getting up to speak. Although you may not think it, any time you give a speech, presentation, or just talk to people, you have an opportunity to make a difference in their lives.
Keep that in mind the next time you have an opportunity to speak.
Until the next time, speak well!
A birthday wish
April 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Today marks a milestone in my life. I turned 40. As I sit here and write this, I am thinking to myself “How did I get here so fast?” I find it hard to believe that 40 years have gone by. I’m also sitting here thinking “what have I done with my time here so far?”
When I think of this in terms of personal growth and development, I’m reminded that it’s been 22 years since I started my journey to public speaking success and controlling my fear. I can’t believe that it’s been so long since the days of having absolute panic attacks at the thought of getting up in front of a crowd.
I am thankful to my high school English teach, Mr. Doran, for making the class do a public speaking project in my senior year. This was one of those rare moments in your life that changes who you are and who you will become. I honestly think that without his help, I would not be able to do the things I do today.
I also look back at the opportunities that I have had to just get up and speak or just be in front of a crowd. I’m glad that I had the courage and support to help me overcome what was once a debilitating fear. It wasn’t always easy. But the more I did it, the easier it got. I took advantage of every opportunity I had to gain experience and learn new skills. I’m at the point now where the thought of being in front of a crowd is more exciting than scary.
My birthday wish is that each one of you who has some kind of fear, whether it’s fear of public speaking, fear of flying, or fear of little stuffed animals (yes, it’s a real fear), can find the strength, courage, and support that you need to help control, and ultimately conquer your fear. I hope that you can one day look back at your life and be as happy as I am with what you’ve accomplished. It won’t always be easy. But I guarantee the results of your hard work will pay off.
Speak well!
Is fear keeping you from success?
December 28, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Ask yourself this: Are you a procrastinator? Are you the type of person who puts of what could be done now to do later? If so, why are you putting off __?”. Is it laziness, lack of energy, or is it something deeper, fear?