Public Speaking


A few classes ago some of my classmates presented on public speaking. I immediately had some anxiety going into class because I knew there would be multiple activities consisting of different versions of public speaking. Although I had taught two classes with my group prior to this one, I still was nervous about the possibility of public speaking. Of course in the end it was all fine, I stood up in front of the class and had to promote a candy bar. It sounds so simple and easy, however this was on the spot public speaking. This ended up being very different from the presentations I had done before because there was no time to prepare note cards making me think on my feet and just do it.
I think this is a very important skill to have in a management role because there will be so many times where we will be asked to present materials. If you cannot present a topic well, no matter how much accurate information you have portrayed, no one will listen or take it seriously. Not only are presentations related to public speaking but simply having conversations are too. It is crucial to be able to relax and know how to hold a conversation with the right people. For example, a conversation between your boss and a friend are very different. This is why you need to be able to differentiate the two and acknowledge the appropriate language. That is why I am so grateful for this class because it has really pushed me out of my comfort zones and got me to practice the important skill of public speaking.

Comments

  1. Molly, I totally agree that public speaking is key in business particularly for those in management roles. I think this class as a whole has helped shake my personal anxiety on public speaking and presentation giving.

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  2. Like Tara, I also completely agree with this. There are only a handful of people that I know that feel no anxiety when public speaking. I am definitely not one of those people. However, I too agree that this class has helped me a lot with the anxiety I tend to feel when public speaking. I think it's one of those things that you have to fake it until you make it. I agree that being truly prepared to speak publicly is key, but it's also a skill that you have to throw yourself into over and over and fail a few times before you realize that there's really nothing to be scared of. I think the experience of watching everyone in the class grow from presentation one to three was really valuable. I think we all made a ton of progress along the way!

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