by Jeff Goins
For years, I avoided public speaking, because I was afraid. Of what, I wasn’t sure. Isn’t that how fear operates — by veiling itself in mystery?
A lot of people are afraid of speaking in public. The problem? They’re believing lies. Maybe you’re prone to some of these, as well; I know I was.
It took some experience and coaching for me to believe the truth about speaking and the impact my words could make.
It’s time that you and I both faced some myths about this irrational fear.
Myth #1: Public speaking doesn’t do any good
With all the empty promises in our world, it’s not uncommon to have your guard up against mass messaging. It’s been misused by enough people — from marketers to politicians — that we’re all a little skeptical these days.
The truth is communication can change the world. It already has many times over. From Jesus to Gandhi to MLK, we’ve seen how public speaking can shake the very foundations of our beliefs and actions.
Myth #2: Talk is cheap
This is actually kind of true. Mere words are not enough. Talk without action can ring empty and hollow. So, why, then, bother saying anything at all — be it from a stage, a blog, or on television? Isn’t it better to simply sit down and shut your mouth?
Not necessarily. Words are powerful tools. They matter more than we realize.
Culture has made talk cheap. We’ve thrown away an educated vocabulary in exchange for hip idioms and catch phrases. But language can still motivate and mobilize.
In fact, the spoken word may be the most powerful medium we have.
Your words (when accompanied with action) can have an incredible impact. Don’t use them lightly.
Myth #3: Writers don’t need to be speakers
For the longest time, I thought: “Writers write. Speakers speak. Leave all that presenting stuff to people who are good at it.”
If I ever published a book, I would have to hire Sean Connery to do the audio version. I doubted I could ever be a great speaker, so I disqualified myself before I tried.
I was wrong.
Like any skill, public speaking can be developed. This was an empowering thought: realizing that just because I wasn’t born with a microphone attached to my lips that I could still be a speaker. You can, too.
So what are you waiting for?
Jeff Goins is a writer who lives in Nashville. You can follow his blog or connect with him on Twitter (@jeffgoins). Also, check out his newly-released eBook, You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One).
I am a woman who is passionate about community and reaching out to the hurt, lost and left behind. God has given me the gift of living in the moment and has allowed me to use my front porch to reach those in our community and beyond. I believe that helping people connect into community starts with one conversation at a time. Through listening well, asking good questions and pausing one purpose, in order to allow the spirit to lead. My driving why is that without a doubt I believe that two are better than one. When someone comes to my front porch my prayer is that they will be able to connect with others in community for a reason, season or a life time.
Cris Nole
The Front Porch
What a great ministry, Cris. I love the front porch image. We’ve build too many fences and not enough porches. Thanks for sharing your passion with us!
What a spot on post, thanks!
Another myth is that speaking is mainly about the speaker.
After 5 years as a full-time paid speaker what most strikes me is how easily it is to see which speakers believe that, demonstrating it by speaking AT their audience rather than creating an energy that circles throughout the room, enveloping most everyone in it to feel more connected, closer and involved in the message.
That happens with the:
1. Speaker’s attitude, tone “us” and “you” language
2. The open “outreach” of inclusive gestures and warm facial expressions, directed at all parts of the audience
3. Reference to audience members by name as positive examples of the tips + stories cited (culled via advance work with the meeting planners and or event leadership)
With this approach, you, the speaker, is not tired afterward but energized. You and can learn more about the audience and yourself, noting what parts most resonated or not and contemplating why
Great distinctions, Kare. You’re right–there’s a big difference between talking AT the audience and communicating WITH. When building relationship and rapport is a key goal of the speaker, he or she is energized rather than drained in the process. The audience as well. Nothing better!
Speaking is about serving the audience. I absolutely love getting to speak in front of people. Helping communicate thoughts, tips, illustrations, as well as motivation to take action to fill a need gives me no greater joy. Thanks for debunking these myths.