Articles
Speaking in Public
Richard Grant, Bullfrey Ltd.
Stop everything else that you're doing, and fully concentrate on reading this article. It will take you 90 seconds and may change your life! Members of the opposite sex will find you more attractive, and your career will skyrocket, bringing you fame and fortune! Well ok, I'm probably overpromising here, but do read on - it is in your best interest!
According to The Book of Lists (in the library next to book of shopping lists...), the fear of public speaking ranks number one in the minds of most people. Far above the fear of death and disease, comes the fear of standing in front of a crowd and talking to them! But to those who are brave enough to venture a little outside their comfort zone, the rewards are huge! What would it do for your career? For your confidence?
Have you found yourself having to speak in public? Have you enjoyed it? Has it gone well? Do you wish you had had some more practice first? Do you watch other people speaking and wish you could be as confident and competent as they are?
I still remember some years ago the first time I was asked to speak to a large audience - 150 people. I'll be honest, I was s******g myself about it, and in the end it was a bit of a disaster! It was a bit of a disaster because I didn't have the basic techniques, experience, or confidence.
Knowing that I'd have to do this more often, I joined a Toastmasters club, and I remember thinking "why didn't I do this years ago!!". What I came across was a group of people, some incredibly good speakers, some who needed a lot of improvement, but all with a common aim - becoming better speakers. The atmosphere there is one of encouragement and constructive criticism from an audience that all know exactly what you're going through, because they're up next! Following a well tried and tested educational programme, I've watched even the most nervous and incompetent individual turn into an entertaining and engaging speaker - who enjoys speaking in public!
What I would encourage you to do today is resolve to find your nearest club and go along, just to see what it's like. Wouldn't you like to be able to stand in front of an audience and capture their attention? Wouldn't you like to find yourself actually enjoying it? Public speaking is a skill, and like any other skill the only way you get good at it is by practice.
Anyone can become a decent public speaker, but it's up to you!
If you're not quite sure, that probably means you are interested but are just a little hesitant about confronting something that scares you. Don't think about - just do it. Follow the link below to find your nearest club, look up their contact details, and phone them - right now. Now!
Click here to find your nearest public speaking club.
See what Bullfrey Limited could do for you.
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