There are a lot of books on the subject of public speaking. A lot. But are they all equal? I don’t think so. I’ve decided to put together a list of ones I feel worthy. The books that made this list offer fundamentals, yes, but they offer much more—a new perspective on speaking. We’re sitting in 2016 and the world … Read More
3 Steps To Overcome Self-Conscious Thoughts About Your Voice
How Your Voice Contributes To Your NervousnessWho are you? Your gesturing, your style of speaking, your voice (trying to sound like Darth Vader even though you sound like Pee Wee Herman?), the content you choose to speak about (do you give a crap about your topic?), and lastly, the words you use (do you intentionally use jargon instead of simpler words that mean … Read More
The Truth About Filler Words [Ah’s and Um’s]
Ah. Umm. Uhh. And-so-uh-umm-hmm-urrr. Filler words. Evil filler words. Last week at a Toastmasters meeting we had a discussion about filler words and their role in public speaking, or more precisely, whether they should have a role or not. In Toastmasters, there is something called an “Ah Counter.” Can you guess what they do? I don’t want to insult your … Read More
Find An Audience Who Gives A $h!#
“You can’t please everybody.” Have you heard that before? I have. It’s accurate. There are many different tastes, preferences, perspectives, values, morals, standards, etc. Here’s why this is important. When you decide to put yourself “out there,” you open yourself up to criticism and people’s opinions—and they have every right to offer them. Usually opinions and harsh criticism can hurt … Read More
Power Words Will Flat Out Make You More Interesting When You Speak
Just like some acid trips are better than others, there are words that are better than other words, too. Therefore, word choice is a hell of a drug. I wrote a chapter about the importance of using the right words in my book The Perfectionist’s Guide To Public Speaking, and in this post I’m going to build on it. We’re going to … Read More
The Ultimate Reason Why You Should Overcome Your Fear Of Public Speaking
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my mission on this planet (and this site!). How do you explain to someone a feeling or a frame of mind that they’ve never experienced? How can you articulate the real power behind something life-changing?For starters, here it is in words: To help others overcome the fear of public speaking so they can … Read More
Remember Your Speech With These Proven Memory Techniques
There is a phenomenon that occurs to those with an immense fear of public speaking. It is called a “white out” and it refers to when your mind goes completely blank in the middle of a speech. You can’t remember jack. It’s like your thoughts instantly evaporate and all that’s left is an empty white canvas, with you a sitting duck. … Read More
Your Ultimate Walkthrough Guide For Overcoming The Massive Fear Of Public Speaking
Have you ever had to speak in front of a group of people? If so, do any of these sound familiar?Feeling physically sickButterflies in your stomach (like free-falling down a roller coaster slope)Feeling weakLegs wobbly as if they’re about to buckleEnormous pressure and stressTenseness in the neck and shouldersForgetfulness and difficulty concentratingLack of confidence and self-doubtSweaty pits and palmsDry mouthFear … Read More
Pain’s A Pal
I hated the feeling I got when I knew I was just moments away from having to stand in front of a room full of people and say…stuff. Public speaking. Scary to even think about, right? I dreaded doing it. I almost packed it in 7 months after joining Toastmasters (a sort of workshop dedicated to helping you become a … Read More
5 Ways To Ensure You Don’t Sound Like A Robot
Attention all humans! Okay, okay, robots are welcome too. Just turn your emotion controls to ‘OFF’—or risk being offended. Today we talk about a subject that can save humanity. Or at least defend against a level of boredom that is entirely unnecessary. You’ve no doubt experienced a speaker with some or all of these special traits. Perhaps you’ve been scarred for life. … Read More
