Feb 06 2009
Public Speaking
I have a ~new~ challenge coming up this Tuesday.
I do not mind public speaking any more… I am very comfortable speaking to groups - mostly. I teach, lead seminars & workshops… and have done for quite some time. I’ve also given readings, television interviews and so on.
So - why am I stressing over having to give a speech next week (and twice more - same speech, 3x)?
I suck at giving PREPARED speeches. And for this one, the expectation is that I write a script and STICK TO IT.
No adlibbing allowed.
The last time I tried to give a prepared speech sucked SO bad. It was HORRIBLE. Seriously!
Of course - that was about 15 years ago. But it was memorable….just for how very bad it was.
Since then, I have avoided doing the scripted thing… I prepare an outline….and then I wing it.
I wing it very well. But that won’t do this time… so…. yikes!
Maybe if I consider it like a reading …. those I don’t mess with on the fly (much).
Well, even though you’ll just be reading, you can still wing it by adding voice inflections and expression. My fear would be that I’d lose my place while reading!
By all means, think of it as a reading. Pretend you’re reading someone else’s speech.
Definitely treat it as a reading; it makes speaking like that a lot easier, and gives you more room to cut loose on the emotion.
I echo the others’ sentiments - definitely just consider it a reading of someone else’s works
I used to be called up to be the emcee for a variety of forums back when i was a corporate drone, because I wasn’t afraid of the microphone, and I could adlib myself out of almost anything
I kinda miss that aspect of my job.
this particular prof seems to be of the opinion that one can not possibly an effective public speaker unless one sticks ABSOLUTELY to a script.
which is bull pucky, as I have pulled it off many many times, including when I presented my Honours essay … my own advisor was completely unaware of the fact that I had completely gone off track from my prepared presentation within the first minute or so.
I find that I present much more naturally and confidently when I overprepare but then wing it
but in this case, I am required to use a script and stick to it.
*sigh* I am almost finished writing it… then I will run through it a couple of times and perhaps email you with a copy if you wouldn’t mind having a look
I think you would do much better without reading a script. Most people when having to read get nervous and also come off as boring. When you’re just up there speaking you are yourself and more at ease. I for one however hate public speaking so what do I know? Take our new president. He never reads from a script although he may memorize it. He’s awesome. So, keep to what is comfortable for you and don’t listen to anyone else.
that’s exactly what tends to happen, jodapoet…but this is the expectation, so tis what I will do my damnedest to do…
I DO however intend to practice it until I can do it word - and timing - perfect. Ross will, I am sure, get very tired of hearing it.
Best of luck with this endeavor. Hope it all works out for you.
I like to adlib too. I always eem to get sidetracked when I speak in front of a group
Good lord, that professor is an idiot! Watching and hearing someone read a bunch of paragraphs is exceedingly boring for the listeners, unless it’s from something that’s just so darn interesting in itself that you could have Ferris Buehler’s teacher read it and it would still be gripping.
If I was in this situation, I’d make sure I was holding my place at the beginning of each paragraph with a finger (maybe gripping the side of the sheet), and move it down as I read. And then I’d look up at the audience on a regular basis, to make eye contact and emphasize something that way. Anything to make it interesting!
I’m much like you: I do way better when I’ve got a good (though short) outline, know my stuff, and just wing it. And those are the most interesting speeches to watch and listen to, too.
Good luck, I agree ad lib is just more comfortable. Let us know how it goes.
Sandy
Good luck. You have a lot of experience in public speaking, you’ll do fine.