How are you with public speaking?

Question

my first couple of times were disastrous. high school.....dont even want to think about that. i was a nerdy kid.

then there was the time at a car dealership i worked at. it was my bright idea that we were going to do "new owner clinics" i designed the whole program to have the customers feel more comfortable with coming to the dealership for services and getting to know the personnell. so we each of us had a "bit" that we had to get up and talk about. (my boss let me take a shot of cognac beforehand because i was nervous) i said 2 words. there were about 40 people in the showroom. i locked up. done. forget it. no words were coming out of my mouth.
he covered for me.

the next time i had to speak, i was receiving an award for the company. it was the chamber of commerce meeting, 200+ people, a podium and a microphone. flawless.

i think the larger the crowd, the easier it is.

i am actually looking forward to my next opportunity.

scary, isnt it?

Answer 1

Woefull. On the rare occasions I've done it I usually try to incorporate some childish wit which nobody gets and usually goes down like the Titanic.
I would be open to tuition though to hone up my oral skills, maybe I would go down better.

Answer 2

I try to get it over with, when I was in speech classes I always wanted to be first so I couldn't be compared to the one before and everyone was worried about their own speech. When teaching a class to customers or coworkers I am better off just introducing myself and asking them a question I also use handouts or overhead projections so have a picture to look at.
Remember you can breathe it doesn't have to go full speed. Some came to get information so don't care what you do wrong as long as they find out what they need to know.

Answer 3

Remember the ABC and the XYZ of public speaking-ABC Always Be Cheerful. XYZ. Xamine Your Zip. And always remember when speaking to a large crowd, your point of focus should be the back wall.But I learnt through speaking onto my tape recorder. It pays to listen and like the sound of your own voice.It is good to speak well. Have you thought about joining the Toastmasters association? They can turn you into a brilliant orator. Good Luck!

Answer 4

prepared and confident is how i try and go in them. I used to kill speeches in High School but one bad speech in college kind of locked me up. I then had to rely on some alcohol to help me out but after awhile i brought back my confidence. you really have to think the information that your giving them is truly important and you know everything about it. be prepared thats all.

Answer 5

not really, i lock up in front of classes of 30 but a speech to 200 was fine with me. and i'm nerdy.

Answer 6

I think the best way is just to be prepared. Write out what you're going to say--have it all planned out. It will make you feel more confident.

Answer 7

I was too shy before but quite better now

Answer 8

I'm not very good at it either although I haven't had to do it in years