Public Speaking Myth Busting
Myths and bad public speaking advice are bountiful for those just starting out as speakers. Here are some practical guidance and myth busting to help speakers just starting out on their presenting journeys.
Table of Contents
Myth #1 – Public Speaking is the Number One Fear
Scott Berkun in his book Confessions of a Public Speaker (non-affifilate link) does a great job demystifying this myth. Basically, this myth comes from a book called The Book of Lists by David Wallenchinsky among others. Public Speaking is #1, insects and bugs is at #3 and death ranks at #7. I hate bugs, but I am way more scared of death. What is scarier than giving a speech? A lot of things – no one has every died or been permanently injured giving a speech!
Myth #2 – Picture your Audience Naked
This piece of advice is given to nervous speakers. Picturing your audience naked is suppose to level the play fielding and make the speaker feel less anxiety. However, picturing people naked can be highly unnerving. Do not under any circumstance picture your audience naked. It won't help your nerves. Instead breathe deep and realize that being nervous is completely natural.
Myth #3 – Look at your audience member's forehead
This is advice typically given when the speaker is shy and uncomfortable making eye contact. They've been told to look at a person's forehead, and the audience will think you are making eye contact. Brilliant! Except that everyone knows you are looking at their forehead. Better advice – pick a couple of members of the audience who you are comfortable making eye contact with and focus on them. Then as you get more comfortable, start making eye contact with more members of the audience.
Myth #4 – I have nothing new to say
Begining speakers often struggle to find a topic. I even said before starting this blog – I don't have anything new to say about communication. The truth is that our stories are unique, and we bring a different point of view to the topic we speak about. As a friend of mine once said “It might not be a new idea – but what is new is that they haven't heard it from you yet.”
Myth #5 – You must be perfect
The passenger side view mirror in my car has a warning sign – “Objects in the Mirror are Closer than they Appear.” Mistakes that we make on the speaking stage are BIGGER in our heads than they appear. When I first started competing in speech and debate, I had what I thought was a horrible memory lapse during a speech. It felt like an eternity until my words came back to me. When I asked my coach about my memory lapse puzzled he asked “What memory lapse? I didn't notice one.” My memory flub was much larger to me, but wasn't noticed by my audience. Audiences want us to succeed! There is no need to be perfect just do your best and speak!
Myth #6 – You must practice to improve
This is NOT a myth. Just like a sport or musical instrument, getting better takes a lot of practice. Join Toastmasters International as they can show you the ropes of presenting. Speak anywhere, any time that you get a chance. The more you speak, the more you will improve.
What is the best public speaking advice you received? What is the worst? Share it in the comments section below or let me know on Twitter.
I am SO sharing this with my students. I’ve told them every one of these things, but it will mean more coming from you! Thanks!
Thanks Donn! I hope your students find it useful! Let me know if they have any comments.
#5 is the most important! Once speakers realize that no one expects them to be perfect, the whole process becomes easier and fun. Ironically, mistakes and slip-ups are far more noticeable and distracting the more “perfect” a speaker attempts to be. Audiences respond to speakers that are willing to be personal, vulnerable, and authentic.
I whole heartily agree, Lauren. We are always far more aware of our little slip-ups than the audience. Being ourselves as a speaker is far more important than the mistakes and it’s the way to establish genuine connection with our audience.
Perfection is also the death knell of authenticity. There is something disconcerting about perfection that makes an audience feel uncomfortable.
It is rather unsettling, Monique. It’s like watching a robot trying to act human. Just inauthentic and not very enjoyable for the audience.
Once I tried so hard to be perfect, that I pictured the audience naked AND looked at their foreheads. Then I had nothing new to say because I forgot everything! It was at that point that I felt naked!
Jackie that is hysterical! Love it!
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