Hey, all--a new topic comes to mind today as I'm preparing for a luncheon presentation I'm giving today.
As a speaker/workshop presenter--what are the things you enjoy discussing the most/least? what's the scariest/most stressful part of presenting and what is the easiest for you?
As someone attending a workshop or author panel--what kind of things do you like to know from an author? Craft tips? Publishing secrets? Details on their stories? How s/he got started? Other?
Personally, I find it hard when I'm not given any guidelines beyond 'we want you to speak for 20-30 minutes--about whatever you want.' It's easier to structure a talk when you know the audience's expectations. But I love it when I get good, interesting questions from the audience--ones that are pertinent, but maybe not on issues that have been talked to death.
Julie Miller
www.juliemiller.org
Thursday, June 30, 2005
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Julie--EVERYTHING about public speaking terrifies me.
I like to speak before a group. I'm not nervous--unless it's a big room full of 200 or more people. The easiest kind of talk for me would be to answer questions. But that's kind of cheating.
I think the key to not being nervous is to practice. Get someone to sit and stare at you while you deliver the talk. And practice on your own so that you feel comfortable with the presentation.
Over the years I've spoken to both writers' groups and the general public--like at libraries. So I've worked up a general talk that I can give if I don't get any guidelines. But I do like specific topics--like how to create suspense and tension or how to plot a novel.
If a group doesn't tell me what to talk about, I may try to discuss some topics with them and see what appeals to them.
I think extroverts are energized by speaking to a group. And introverts find it draining. On the Myers-Briggs test, I come out pretty close to the middle. But public speaking does energize me.
One interesting trend I've seen over the years. They expect you to make the audience laugh. That's sometimes more important than information, unfortunately.
Ruth/Rebecca
A couple of years ago I could get up in front of hundreds of people and do my thing and not give a damn. Now I get up in front of twenty people and I damn near shit myself. What's up with that? I find I'm getting a lot more neurotic and self conscious every year that passes by. I'm sure more than anything it probably has something to do with my extreme fear of failure. Bah!
I'm one of those people who find public speaking draining. Yet I can be a bit of a ham, too. So I've discovered if I can play the "role" of Ann Voss Peterson in front of a group, the real Ann Voss Peterson has a much more enjoyable public speaking experience.
Perhaps I'm less public speaker and more actress. ;)
-Ann
Ann Voss Peterson
Ruth--
I taught speech for 15 years, and you've absolutely nailed the secret. Practice and preparation is the key to managing public speaking nerves.
Talk to the mirror, the dog, a friend, etc. Get your mouth used to saying the words, your ears used to hearing them. Sometimes, when a speaker gets nervous, their mind will fuzz over or even go blank, but that familiarity with words, planned pauses, etc. can often save the day--get the speaker past the moment so s/he can continue on.
I agree--questions are the easiest way to go. But that can be scary, too, if the audience doesn't ask much.
There are a lot of coping strategies out there that many speakers use (myself included). They help the speaker, but audience won't be aware of them. Things like moving while you speak, having something in your hands to manipulate (unobtrusively) while you speak, wearing clothes with pockets, and lots more. They're ways to physically channel nervous tension so the brain stays clearer.
Thanks!
Julie Miller
www.juliemiller.org
Julie, yes, it helps me to play with something in my hand.
And there's something else we should mention. You can train yourself not to say "um" to fill up a few seconds of silence. Just don't say anything for those few seconds. It seems like longer to you than it does to the audience, but it will sound much more professional if you don't fall back on "um."
Ruth
Julie - I did it!! I did my first workshop and it was a total blast. The kids were all ears. I was afraid of what they would think and say or worse, what I would say. But all went well. Teens are like the easiest group to talk too b/c they do most of the talking for you. LOL
Sasha
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Hey Intrigue Author, am I glad I found you. I'm really keen on evp electronic voice phenomenon and found your blog. Julie Miller--Author workshops and public speaking certainly got my interest. What do you think of evp electronic voice phenomenon ? Not everyone is as convinced as I am that they are the way forward. Anyway, thanks for your post! Sophie
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