The Greatest Speech I Never Delivered

The Challenge

I was a shy student but I wanted to be popular – especially with the girls. I believed that if I became president of the high school student council I would become popular.

It was apparent to me that the way to be president of the high school council was to deliver a popularity-winning speech to the school assembly. I noticed that the student who became president was the one who delivered the best speech.

 

My Plan

So I devised a plan. I would run for student council president and win because I would deliver the best speech. The first part of my plan was to create an incredible speech.

 

I started to write that speech. It included a strong opening. There were quotes from famous people. I would appeal to the interest of my audience without pandering to silly whims. I would be bold but humble. I would make them laugh with me. And we would end with a rousing chorus of the school song from the band. I figured that I could arrange that because I was a trombone player in the high school band.

It was a great speech. It would be the best speech that they every heard in the high school auditorium. Students and teachers would talk about it for years. Every future speaker at our school would see it as the ultimate example.

Reality

But I never delivered that speech.

I chickened out. I didn’t run for high school president. I told no one about my presidential dreams or public speaking plans. I was afraid to speak. I was afraid to try. I was afraid that I would mess up. I was afraid that they would laugh at me.

I never became high school president. No one ever knew – until now - of my hopes.

It could have been the greatest speech I ever delivered. But it never happened.

I wish I had had the courage and the wisdom to deliver that speech – even if I failed. But I can't change what happened yesterday.

The reason that I share this story with you is that you can’t go back but you can go forward. It took me 25 years to become a professional speaker. Today I have delivered over 1,000 professional presentations and I coach and train others to deliver million-dollar presentations. Audiences often describe me as an entertaining and motivational speaker.

It doesn’t matter where you were yesterday. If you want to be a better speaker tomorrow you can start improving today. Focus on where you want to be - not on your past.

Effective public speaking is neither a right nor a natural talent. It is a skill set that you can learn, practice and improve. Don’t strive to deliver the perfect speech. Work to be a successful speaker. And sometimes success simply means getting up, falling down and getting up again.

To be a more successful speaker you must learn the techniques, practice the skills and speak.

© George Torok is The Speech Coach for Executives. He helps business leaders deliver million dollar presentations. For more presentation tips visit www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com  To arrange presentation coaching or training visit www.Torok.com or call 905-335-1997

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Fear of Public Speaking: Catherine Zeta-Jones

The fear of public speaking is so common. It has nothing to do with your intelligence, success or wealth. That's why I'm appreciative of celebrities who "out" their fear of public speaking.

Catherine Zeta-Jones recently talked about her phobia of public speaking to the Belfast Telegraph. She joked that she tortures her husband, Michael Douglas before her appearances to get through her anxiety.

I woulld like to know more about the torture or the magic that Michael Douglas performed. Does she scream and cry? Does he sip a brandy while repeating, "Yes dear" ?


The key point for the rest of us is that the fear of public speaking is a normal thing even experienced by the beautiful people. 

There's no one way to deal with speech anxiety. You might work through it on your own or you might work through it with a partner. If that doesn't work - call Michael Douglas.

Read the rest of this story in the Belfast Telegraph.

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Words That Suck Energy from Your Presentation

Speakers say the darnedest things.

Here is an assortment of destructive words and phrases that I heard at a meeting. Notice how these words might sabotage a presentation by distracting, boring or annoying your audience.

Stuff

This is vague. It suggests that the speaker doesn't know the subject. Try to picture stuff. There are more descriptive words that could be used; baggage, benefits, lessons, options, programs, products, books, ideas, plans…

You guys

This is too colloquial. It might be okay to use with a group of buddies, but not with a group of business associates. This phrase is just a hair above gangster speak "youse guys". When I hear this phrase I wonder if the speaker knows that the word you is both singular and plural.

Bucks

Bucks are male deer. The person meant dollars. The word bucks is too colloquial and low class.

Second to none

This is a cliché which suggests unoriginal thought. It’s not visual. Try to picture “second to none”. It’s also the combination of two negative words. Instead say the best or first.

At the end of the day

An overused cliché – thus unoriginal thought. Clichés tend to be boring – because we heard it before. When the audience hears clichés they tend to tune out and might miss what you say next.

Without further ado

This is cliché, vague and negative. What does ado look like? What does the lack of ado look like? And why was the audience subjected to some ado already? Instead, pause and continue.

Pretty unique

Ha, Ha. Is the opposite of this "ugly unique"? If you mean unique, say unique. If it’s pretty then call it unique and pretty.

Very, very unique

This might win the prize for the dumbest phrase in this rotten bunch. Is very unique more unique than unique? When you stack your verys, does that mean twice or ten times?

Truth be told

Cliché. Naturally one might wonder why the speaker feels he needed to point out that he was now about to tell the truth. Was everything up to this point a lie?

Moving on

Cliché. This phase adds no value. If the speaker talks about the next topic the audience will know that he moved on – for what that’s worth. Simply move on.

Going forward

Cliché. This one suggests that there is an alternative to going forward and that must be going backward. Instead say “The next step is”.

To be honest

Cliché. Whenever a speaker says this the audience would be justified in questioning the speaker’s honesty. Should we put the speaker on a polygraph? Why does the speaker need to qualify the next words with this curious phrase?

Okay

The speaker made a statement and then tacked on “Okay” at the end in a questioning way. This speaker did this several times. Was the speaker questioning whether the audience understood the statement? Was the speaker questioning whether the audience agreed with the statement? Was the speaker chastising the audience for being so dense? Was the speaker simply validating himself by saying that he was doing Okay?

Whole bunch

We have a whole bunch of products for you. It just sounds vague and low class. It doesn't place those products in a positive light.

Your audience doesn't listen to every word you say. They also react more to certain words than others. Certain phrases might detour their thoughts onto a tangent. If you want to hold the attention and credibility of your audience avoid using these self-destructive phrases.

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Pursuit of the Perfect Presentation

It doesn't exist. It will never happen. You won’t deliver the perfect presentation. However you can deliver a successful presentation that is less than perfect.

Success should be your goal – not perfection. Success is achievable.

Define the success of every presentation you plan to deliver in terms of this three part question.

What do you want people to think, feel or do as a result of your presentation?

The purpose of your presentation is to move people. If you did – it was successful. Don’t waste your effort on chasing perfect – simply move people in the direction that you want.

Define success before you create your presentation and you will avoid tangents. Be clear on your definition of success while presenting and you will stay on target. Most importantly if you know what’s important you are more likely to get to your destination.

Don’t fret about perfection. Focus on success. Don't work for a perfect 10.

What do you want people to think, feel or do?

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The Entire Audience Walked Out on Me

What could be worse than losing your entire audience? Imagine no one showing up for your presentation. I experienced the one and almost the other.

While promoting my first book, Secrets of Power Marketing, I arranged short presentations along with a book signing at book stores. They were never a good place in which to present because they were not set up for presentations. Usually the audiences numbered between six and 10.

On one memorable book store visit there was only one person waiting for my presentation. That was ego deflating. I checked the signs and my calendar. We both had the date and time correct so at the scheduled time I started my 20 minute presentation. I was hoping that more spectators would arrive or that my standing and speaking might attract some curious book browsers. Five minutes into the presentation the woman’s cell phone rang. She dug it out and asked me to hold. Naturally I stopped speaking because my entire audience stopped listening.

After a short call she put the phone away, looked at me and announced, “That was my son. I need to pick him up. Bye.”

My entire audience walked out on me. Ha! I can laugh now but I didn’t at the time.

I forced another smile, bade goodbye, packed up my things, signed the books from the shelf, then left.

Since then I don’t mind if people leave part way through my presentation – as long as some remain.

When you present there are few things you can control and some things you can influence. And there is everything else that is beyond your power. Focus on what you can do and accept the randomness of reality.

Learn how to deal with 17 other presentation disasters and come out looking like a hero. Download the free eBook here - Turn Presentation Disasters into Presentation Success.

You don't need to give your name or email - just download the free eBook here.


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How to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking - Presentation Tips video

How can you overcome the fear of public speaking?

Speech anxiety or the fear of public speaking is one of the most common feelings that most speakers face at some time. That includes many of the great speakers.

What that means to you is - if you get anxious about speaking in public, you are normal.
The second important point is that you can learn to overcome the fear or at least to manage the feelings.

This video offers you three simple yet powerful techniques to take more control of your internal feelings. Imagine feeling and looking more confident the next time you speak.






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Body Language Oozes Testosterone

We know that body language sends messages. Those messages are not always clear to your audience. There are intended and unintended messages that body language might convey.

But did you know that your physical body language also sends chemical messages to your own body?

Here is an excerpt from an article in the Burnside News.
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Amy J.C. Cuddy, assistant professor at the Harvard Business School, has performed extensive research in various human areas of behaviour, feelings and control in the workplace. Her findings can help many managers become better presenters and overall more confident professionals at stress-inducing periods, like employment interviews, meetings and all in-person events.

Working with co-authors Dana Carney and Andy Yap from Columbia University, Cuddy completed a definitive study that became a wonderful article, Power Posing: Brief Nonverbal Displays Affect Neuroendocrine Levels and Risk Tolerance, which appeared in an issue of Psychological Science magazine (September 21, 2010).

---------------
The interesting point from this research was that when you stand more powerfully your body cooperates by producing more testosterone - which makes you feel more powerful.

Stand proud and you will feel proud. Look good and you will feel good.
Body language is not only what your audience reads into your message. It is also how you feel about yourself and your presentation. This is critical when you might feel anxious about presenting. If you want to feel more confident - look more confident. Then drink the testosterone.

Read the full article Improving Presentations Skills with Power Poses


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Steve Jobs: How to Live Before You Die

Steve Jobs delivering graduation speech at Stanford University in June 2005.

Steve Jobs has been cited as an effective presenter - especially when he announced the new Apple products.

This presentation seems to show a shy, wounded and reluctant presenter.

The words are powerful. It was a well written speech. It is an amazing speech to read. The best way to enjoy this speech is to read it or listen to it - but not to watch it. You will notice that Steve Jobs read this speech - almost entirely.

That seems strange because he only told three personal stories. He knew those stories, yet he felt compelled to read his speech. When the audience reacted to his words, he did pause, but failed to look at them. He was clearly lost in his own emotion and discomfort.

Notice the lack of emotion on his face and in his body language. Although his message was important to his audience he was clearly telling it for his own personal cleansing.

Notice how he strokes his chin at personal moments. That is likely a sign of self comforting because of pain.

The man was likely in a swamp of personal pain during this presentation.








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Comments & Questions from Audio Class: Confidence

How to Radiate More Confidence than you feel when speaking - feedback


If you listened to the live broadcast or the recording, this is the place to add your comments, suggestions and questions about this program and topic.


Comments
What ideas were helpful to you? How helpful did you find this program? How has this program made a difference for you?


Suggestions
What topics do you suggest for future audio classess or email tips.


Thank you for your feedback

George Torok
The Speech Coach for Executives
Author of Power Presentation Tips


PS: Watch for more free audio classes on presentation skills

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Radiate More Confidence than You Feel - free audio class

Listen by phone to this free audio class on Thursday November 2 at 2:00 pm EDT. If you can't make that time you can still listen to the recording - but you need to register here http://presentation-skills-seminars.com/

Topics and question to be addressed include:

Why should your audience feel confident?

5 Confidence boosters before you speak

5 Techniques as you start

How does your audience decide if you are confident?

First aid for when the nerves strike

The dirty dozen red flags of non-confidence

If you are not yet registered and you want to appear more confident when you speak register now.
http://presentation-skills-seminars.com/


George Torok


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Picture Your Audience in Their Underwear

If you were ever nervous about public speaking, you might have heard that piece of tired advice. It’s bad advice. Ignore it.

Do you really want to be imagining your boss, clients or colleagues in their underwear while you are speaking? Depending on your imagination and familiarity with your audience that might make you giggle uncontrollably. Or you might become so distracted that you forget your speech.

That advice is probably based on one aspect of the fear of public speaking. That is the fear that the audience can see you naked. In this case the naked doesn’t mean without clothes. The fear is that the audience can see your thoughts – especially your fears, doubts and faults. That implies that your audience is more powerful than you – that they have superhuman powers like x-ray vision and mind reading.

The reality is that no one can read your mind. If we could there would be far less miscommunication between people. The problem with communication is that we can’t read minds. Instead we attempt to interpret the words, sounds and images that we observe.

Therein lies your answer. The better that you manage the words, sounds and images that your audience observes the more control you will have over your presentations results. That control starts with your perspective.

Don’t picture your audience in their underwear. And don’t picture them naked. That’s another old snake oil remedy. Can you imagine your convulsive laughter or primal urges destroying your presentation?

That’s not the way to tame the fear of public speaking or deliver an effective presentation.

Instead, picture your audience as equals. You are good at what you do and they are good at what they do. You offer value and so do they. It’s not about who has or makes more money. It’s not about job titles, age or corporate hierarchy. It’s about you having a conversation with a room full of equals. That’s one of the secrets of overcoming speech anxiety – make it feel like a conversation.

Seeing and treating people like equals is an important fundamental shift in your perspective as an effective public speaker. Don’t look down or up to your audience. They aren’t better than you and you aren’t better than they are. You are simply taking your turn as an equal to offer your message. They can’t see you naked and you don’t want to imagine them that way.

Don’t fear your audience. Don’t see them with superhuman powers. And don’t imagine them in their underwear or less. Effective public speaking is not about undressing anyone. Deliver your presentation as a conversation with a group of equals.


© George Torok helps public speakers overcome the fear of public speaking and convey convincing confidence. Get your free presentation skills tips at http://SpeechCoachforExecutives.com Learn about the upcoming teleseminars and public seminars at http://presentation-skills-seminars.com To arrange private speech coaching call 905-335-1997


Listen to the free Audio Class on
“How to Radiate More Confidence than You Feel”

It's on November 4, 2010. If you can't listen live you can download the recording for free. But you must reigister to get the download. Click here for details and free registration.





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Why Do We Fear Public Speaking?

Public speaking is often rated as the greatest fear that adults have. Yet speaking by itself is not threatening to most. It’s the public in public speaking that frightens people. Why is this?

Perhaps it’s the way that you learned to speak in public. Most of us started speaking when we were around 1 year old. Our first words were enthusiastically cultivated and celebrated by our parents. Out first public speaking was what we did on the phone to our grand-parents.

Those were the good old days. Every word and sound you made (other than crying) was met with smiles and attention from the adults.

Our next opportunity to experience public speaking was in the grocery store. You learned that our favorite cereal, candy or treat could be ours if we made enough of a public spectacle to embarrass our parent. Yes, this public speaking thing seemed like a good thing – until we got home. Perhaps we were sent to our room. This was sending us mixed messages about public speaking.

Then you went to school. For a budding public speaker this was a gift – a classroom full of an eager audience. Boy, were we wrong. It turned out that every other student wanted to speak at the same time. Why didn’t they realize that your thoughts and words were more important than theirs.

Your years at school brought more opportunities to speak in public. Yet they often seemed like walking through a mine field. You never knew when you might say something dumb or give the wrong answer. The teacher would give you that look and your audience might snicker. And that was just the day-to-day grind of school days. You learned that the public could be very fickle and unappreciative about your speaking.

Public speaking in class was either to ask the teacher a question or to answer the teacher’s questions. Ask a dumb question or give the wrong answer and you might be on the receiving end of the teacher’s ire. Even if you asked good questions and gave the right answers – you only pleased the teacher and raised the distain of your fellow students. This public speaking thing seemed to be a no win situation. Most days it seemed better to avoid it. Keep your hand down and avoid eye contact.

The boldest public speaker was the class clown who seemed to have a natural talent for making jokes, entertaining the audience and annoying the teacher. The teacher was the one who did the most public speaking in class and that was often boring. Neither was a good role model for a future public speaker.

There was the school play. Perhaps you volunteered or were volunteered and you had a few lines to deliver. You rehearsed the lines before and after breakfast and on the way to school. Maybe you were coached by your parents who didn’t have a clue about public speaking or the pressure that you felt. The day of the play you delivered your lines. Perhaps you hated the experience. “Ain’t gonna do that again” – you vowed

So why is there a mystery that so many adults fear public speaking?

Maybe it’s because they have been conditioned that way most of their lives. If you want to be a better public speaker you might need some serious reconditioning.


© George Torok, The Public Speaking Pro, is a Toronto based Public Speaking Trainer. He helps business speakers deliver million dollar presentations. Discover more free public speaking tips at http://www.Public-Speaking-Pro.biz Follow daily public speaking tips at http://twitter.com/presentationsgo For training or coaching call 905-335-1997

For a better understanding of how to handle the fear of public speaking click here

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9 Simple Tips for Better Presentations

Do you want to make your next presentation more effective? Use these nine simple yet powerful presentation tips and techniques to enjoy better results when you speak before an audience.

Effective public speaking is not talent. It is a set of skills and techniques that are learned, practiced and delivered well. Learn the techniques and start practicing for your next successful presentation now. Don’t wait until you are asked to speak. Be ready.

Silence
Practice saying nothing. Not gibberish - nothing, as in silence. It is so powerful. Pause before you start, pause after you said something important and pause when you are done. Just say less and get more comfortable with the silences.

Mirror
Your audience will mirror you. If you frown - so will they. If you want them to smile - you must smile. Laugh and they will laugh with you. There are no ugly audiences - only ugly speakers.

Show Your Hands
Keep your hands where we can see them. We will trust you more. Hiding your hands behind your back will make us wonder, "What is he hiding back there?" Putting them in your pockets might feel good - but you lose power and can appear too casual. Let your hands hang at your side. As you speak and become involved in your speech you will naturally move them. You will look more natural. You will appear more trustworthy.

Look at Your Audience
Look at the audience - not the screen, the back wall, or your notes. Talk to them - look at them - one at a time. Move your eyes from one to another as though you are having many one-on-one conversations.

Nod Your Head
When you ask the audience to respond to your question show that you respect their response. Pause and look around the audience; nod your head in approval or show your delight with a smile. Remember you asked them a question. Show that you really wanted an answer.

Smile
Sometimes your audience will laugh when you do not expect it. Pause and let them enjoy it. Smile and show you also have a sense of humor - even if you are not sure why they are laughing.

Appoint an Assistant
When you speak before a group, always have a helper who can fix the lights, help with handouts, and usher latecomers to their seats. When looking for volunteers don't waste time waiting for someone to put up their hand. Appoint your volunteers. Always thank them.

Prepare for your Worst Question
Always be prepared to handle your worst question. You know what it is - the one you dread the most. It might be that you are too expensive, too cheap, too old, too new, too far, too near… Imagine how powerful you will appear when it is posed and you can smile and give the answer you rehearsed.

Edit your Words
Don't offend your audience by using insulting phrases like "obviously" or "everyone knows". If it is not oblivious to them or if they don’t believe that everyone knows then you have either insulted them or alienated them.

You can use these nine simple presentation tips and techniques to deliver more effective presentations today. It will take some practice but you can do it. Make your next presentation a success by paying more attention to the details.


© George Torok helps business leaders deliver million dollar presentations. Get your free presentation tips at http://www.Torok.com Arrange for presentation skills training or presentation coaching by calling 905-335-1997



9 Simple Tips for Better Presentations

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Begin with more confidence

Power Presentations Tips 23:

Begin with more confidence

Many presenters have confessed to me that if they can survive through the first few minutes of their presentation - then they will feel alright. It's just the beginning that they dread.

That's a risky way to approach your presentation because the opening is so important. Decisions are being made about you and your message in those opening seconds.

How can you feel and look more confident from your first word?

Your Introduction
Sit or stand proud while you are being introduced. While the audience is listening to your introduction - which should briefly confirm your qualifications for this topic - your audience will study you. They will be checking to see if the picture matches the words. This is not the time to feign humility or look nervous. Look proud while your achievements are listed.

You might not always have a formal introduction. However any introduction should be used to your benefit. Caution: Look proud and confident but not pompous and arrogant.

Start Slowly
Start your presentation very slowly. Speak slower than normal. You might feel a bit awkward but with practice you will get it right. There are three reasons to start slowly:

1. This will help you stay calm. Speaking slowly will force you to breathe slower and that calms you.

2. Your audience will have a better chance to tune into your voice. This is especially relevant when they don't know you and/or you have an accent that sounds different from their norm.

3. Speaking slowly will deepen your voice. That makes it easier to hear and conveys more confidence.

Say something positive
If you start with a positive statement your audience will go with you. If you are feeling nervous then this is the one time that you are allowed to tell a lie. That lie is, "I'm happy to be here today." You might not feel that way at the time but if you state it with enough conviction you might persuade your audience and yourself of that constructive white lie.

George Torok
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From stuttering to speaker’s podium

Here's an inspirational story about an individual overcoming a severe stuttering challenge.

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From stuttering to speaker’s podium

Reported in The Oakville Beaver

Author Charles Marcus of Oakville stuttered so much growing up, he could barely utter a few words — sometimes not speaking at all for long periods.

Today he is a motivational speaker and will stand up before the Shaarei-Beth El Congregation of Oakville to speak about — what else? — overcoming life’s obstacles.

Marcus will make his appearance at 2 p. m. on Sunday, April 19.

The Oakville resident grew up in Manchester, England. He was shy and self-conscious.
Now, as a bestselling author on success, Marcus is a motivational speaker and seminar leader who has travelled across Canada, the U. S., even Europe and Asia. Australia is next on his agenda.

Marcus has more than realized his dream — pondered in long periods of silence — of not only speaking fluently, but doing so in public.

Read the rest of this article at the Oakville Beaver.

------------------

Visit the website for Charles Marcus

Charles Marcus is speaking at the Stimulate Your Business Summit

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Center yourself before you present

Center yourself before you start speaking.

Here is a simple yet helpful technique to center yourself before you start your presentation. I learned this technique from fellow professional speaker, Paul Huschilt. As well as being a professional speaker who specializes in wrapping up conferences and conventions, Paul Huschilt is also trained as an actor and an opera singer. So he knows some things about performing on stage and how to get ready for your presentation.


Here is the technique. You can do this just before you are introduced. It's a calming technique that might have zen roots.

Breathe slowly and deeply and get your mind into a calm state.

Then say these four statements silently while feeling the power in them.

1. I'm glad I'm here.

2. I'm glad that you're here.

3. I care about you.

4. I know what I know.


Go ahead and try it the next time that you speak.


George Torok

Speech Coach for Executives

Presentation Skills Training



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Public Speaking Pro

Public Speaking Pro

The online resource for promising public speakers just launched. It is the place to visit to prepare yourself to be a more effective public speaker.

Here's what you will find at Pubic Speaking Pro

How to deal with the fear of public speaking

A crash course on improving your public speaking

How to use the technology tools of public speaking - multimedia, PowerPoint and even old techonology - the original overhead projector.

There are more public speaker tips and articles waiting for you - and of course this site will continue to grow.

Public Speaking Pro - the resource for promising public speakers.

Check it out.

George Torok

Speech Anxiety: Lawrence Olivier

Speech Aniety: Lawrence Olivier

Imagine Sir Lawrence Olivier nervous before his performance
Speech Anxiety experienced by Sir Lawrence Olivier.

There are many other approaches to the feeling of unease we experience when required to perform in public. For instance, Marshall McLuhan, the philosopher of communications, had a distinct "take" on this condition. It is well known that Sir Laurence Olivier, despite his standing as a great stage and screen actor, experienced profound stage fright throughout his entire performing career. He writes about the forms his panic took in his theatrical memoirs, and he puzzled as to why he continued to feel this way despite his vast experience appearing before audiences around the world. In later years he came to regard the excess sweat his body produced, the jittery nervousness, etc., as simply symptoms that his body was warning him that he would shortly have to appear before audiences and perform in public. He was able to ignore these sensations and feelings while on stage, but not before or after.

He was drenched in sweat.
Why did Sir Lawrence Olivier experience Speech Anxiety?

McLuhan's view of the matter is that of a social psychologist. Sir Laurence felt little or no anxiety prior to the performance. Anxiety levels spiked when he entered the dressing room and removed his regular clothes and stood there semi-dressed before donning his costume (the robe of King Lear perhaps). During this period of semi-dress, he had no role to play. He was no longer the man known as Sir Lawrence; he was not yet the character known as King Lear. Having no role to play, he had no way to deal with his fears and apprehensions. Once on stage, there was no problem. Techniques honed over years of training and decades of performing simply took over. After all, he was a consummate actor. The situation was reversed when he stepped off stage and entered the dressing room where he removed the robe of King Lear. Once again he was nervous and he found he was drenched in sweat. He was no longer the actor, but not yet Sir Laurence. He would never receive visitors in his dressing room before or after a performance. Once he had showered and changed into his regular clothes, he was himself again. It was as if he had been living a nightmare.

The above is an excerpt from an article about Speech Anxiety by John Robert Colombo.

Speech Anxiety
Fear of Public Speaking
Stage Fright

George Torok
Executive Speech Coach
Motivational Speaker

Speech Anxiety: Freud, Jung & Alder

Freud:
We are born naked and helpless.

Sigmund Freud on anxiety.

Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, placed great emphasis on the fact that we are born naked and helpless. From birth we experience panic and we express it in cries and in tears. As adults we may not express the panic directly by crying out loud or weeping in public, but we still feel this initial sense of dread when we have to "expose ourselves" before the eyes of others. Freud saw the level of anxiety to be a reversion to infantile behaviour.

Jung:
We assume our enemies--our listeners--are aware of our secret weakness.

Carl Jung on human frailty and public speaking fears.

Carl Jung, the analytical psychologist, noted that human beings display the characteristics of archetypal figures, especially heroes of Ancient Greece. The warrior hero Achilles is one such figure. Achilles was invulnerable to his enemies except for one part of his anatomy: his "Achilles heel." Except for this tendon, he was invulnerable and impervious to the attacks of his enemies. Achilles resembles the 20th-century comic-book character Superman, the caped superhero who is all-powerful except in the presence of Kryptonite, rocks from his home planet Krypton. Each of us has an Achilles heel or fears Kryptonite. It is our zone of vulnerability. According to Jung, we assume our enemies--our listeners--are aware of our secret weakness. They know we are vulnerable and hence we feel fear.

Adler:
We are powerless before powerful people.

Alfred Adler on why we fear public speaking.

Alfred Adler, the Austrian psychiatrist, made many contributions to individualistic and humanistic psychology. After examining the nature of neurosis, he popularized the concept of the "inferiority complex." It was Adler's view that, when we "present" ourselves before others, we stand "." We project our talents and abilities, our information and knowledge, onto other people. We empower them, but at the same time we disempower ourselves. We elevate them as we lower our sense of self. This projection leaves us feeling uneasy, uncanny, and vulnerable.


This is an exerpt from an article on Speech Anxiety by John Robert Colombo.


George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives

Shyness: Zimbardo

The Shyness factor Zimbardo:

The Root of Speech Anxiety is Shyness.
Philip G. Zimbardo, the well-known cognitive psychologist, has devoted decades to the study of the "shyness factor" as it affects people of different ages, backgrounds, businesses, and cultures. He found that shyness figures in everyone's life. Most people admitted to him that when under pressure they experience symptoms of anxiety: the jitters, sweaty palms, knocking knees, facial flushes, watery eyes, leathery tongue, dry mouth, wild heartbeats, shortness of breath, memory lapses, mental confusions, high anxiety levels...to limit the list to one dozen symptoms of chronic shyness.

Zimbardo found that there are differences in the ways that shyness is handled by peoples of different countries and cultures. Such differences may account for variations in reporting levels of shyness and presumably in experiencing high or low levels. For instance, people he interviewed in Japan admitted to experiencing a greater degree of shyness when meeting with strangers than did people he interviewed in Israel. But across the board he found that everyone owned up to some degree of shyness, some people to an alarmingly high degree, even when being interviewed by Dr. Zimbardo! Shyness is thus a characteristic of human nature brought about by our physiology, neurology, psychology, and social conditioning.

No one should feel that nature has singled him or her out for a special affliction. No one should feel freakish because he or she panics when faced with the need to present in public. It is human to feel some anxiety. Some people experience more of it, some less. Successful speakers are men and women who have found ways to find relief from these sensations and emotions. They have found ways to make them "work" for them.

Execerpt from article by John Robert Colombo

George Torok
Executive Speech Coach