The What and How of Public Speaking
Forty-thousand people signed up for a free online public speaking class offered by the University of Washington. Now, you might think that as a public speaking coach that this has me quaking in my boots. If people can get the information for free, why would they ever hire me for coaching?
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Public speaking is a hot skill
Honestly, I think this is the most awesome thing ever. Forty-thousand people around the world taking an online public speaking course. They are really going to understand the what behind speaking, and that's all kinds of amazing. It also means that presentations are a hot topic. People need to master the art of speaking for their business. It's a must to be successful, and 40,000 people know that to be true.
This validates my mission that communication changes the world and that your ability to speak up and get your story out to the world is a huge part of the change.
Doesn't this undercut my profession though? No, not really. A good speech coach focuses on the how and not the what of speaking. I focus on co-creating with you a great experience for your audience.
Focus on the what of speaking
When I taught public speaking for 3 different universities, we limited the size to 25 students. Why? Public speaking is about getting experience in presenting. It was about my students and I, crafting great speeches, experimenting with content and growing their skills. When you have 40,000 people in one class, they are not going to get the hands on “how” of speaking in front of a group. They get the what – they get the theory. Not the experience. Although the UW prof believes some students will submit video'd speeches for peer review, it does not replace the value of getting up in front of a live audience.
The relationship between the speaker and audience is where the magic happens.
Implementing theory is the tricky part
Have you ever taken a course online? Understanding the content is easy, but applying the content is the tricky part. I read a book with templates on how to write a compelling bio. I struggled, so I hired Nancy Juetten (the bio queen) to coach me through the process. The bio I created with her was a GAZILLION times better than the one I created by myself.
When I'm working with a client on crafting a speech, we typically spend one session working out their big idea statement. I've detailed the process of writing your big idea in the blog post, and the process I use with clients is identical. It should be easy-peasy, right? Except it's not. Putting theory into practice is tough stuff especially when it will make or break your presentation. You need an expert to help guide and create with you.
Coaching supports you through the how-process
After you give the big speech and it's a roaring success, there is a speaker's high. It's the “Nailed it!” or “YES!” or “woo-hoo!” emotion. Think scoring the touch down at the big game, spiking the ball and break dancing in the inzone feeling. Yes, successful presentations give you that type of exhilaration.
You'll never get that speaker's high from just knowing the “what” of speaking, you've got to be able to implement that what like a master. My goal is to get you to that “What a feeling!” stage of presentation success. Working with me, your presentation will be 10 times better than what you can create on your own.
Have a big speech coming up? Check out how you and I can work together here and drop me a line!
Excellent points Michelle. An “extreme introvert” I was literally tricked into my first public speaking experience. The funny thing was, when I didn’t die as a result of the experience, I realized I actually got a bit of a buzz from standing at that podium. I live on a small Island thousands of miles from the mainland, otherwise I would have sought out help such as yours. But what I did that made a huge difference was join a small Toastmasters group. To this day I am a huge fan of that organization.
I love the speaker’s buzz that you are talking about. When you are at the podium, full in the moment and connecting with the audience, there’s an energy exchange that happens. It can give you quite a rush (like scoring the touch down at the big game or accomplishing a big goal). Just so you know – I do a lot of coaching via Skype and the phone. Just because I am not Kama’aina doesn’t mean coaching is not possible! Thank you for your comment. Glad you are in Toastmasters and speaking!
Michelle, you helped me so much! I’ve been speaking for 6 years and your ideas were fresh, innovative and RIGHT ON! You opened my eyes and my ears. I’m a better speaker now because of you! And we did this 3,000 miles apart! Amazing! I had never video’d myself and sent it to a stranger! But it worked! Now I video my speeches before I present. Although it’s hard for me to watch myself because I can’t be objective, I get to see and hear what my audience will see and hear. I do spot things that I can improve. Yay! Thanks! You do rock, Lady!
Wow Sharon! Thank you. I’m truly lucky to have met you and impacted you in such a HUGE way. Honored, my friend. Truly honored!
[…] Knowing the what or theory behind public speaking is awesome, but implementing that theory into successful presentations requires a great speech coach. […]
[…] Knowing the what or theory behind public speaking is awesome, but implementing that theory into successful presentations requires a great speech coach. […]