Understanding Stage Fright Building Confidence Understanding Stage Fright

What is Fear? Biological process that allows to have the necessary energy to do a job that really matters – adrenaline rush Phobia – persistent irrational fear that can stop you from doing things AKA – Stage Fright – Communication Apprehension

Who does it affect? EVERYONE!!! Winston Churchill – totally blanked while delivering a memorized speech to Parliament singer Carly Simon – virtually disappeared frm the music scent because of her fear of performing in front of live audiences California municipal judge – permanent disability because he couldn’t face speaking in front of his courtroom TV weatherman Willard Scott – hyperventilated in front of millions

So it can affect You, too! When: Interviewing for a job Meeting people for the first time Answering a question in class Speaking at a commnity function Explaining a task to coworkers

Symptoms Upset stomach Flushed face Dizziness Fast heartbeat Shortness of breath Excessive prespiration Wobbly legs

Extablishing Accurate Perception Building Confidence Extablishing Accurate Perception

Perception Gaining an awareness and understanding of a person, an idea, or a situation where you discove how they (and you) see things

. . . of the Audience Audiences often unaware of a speaker’s nervousness Studies on how well an audience perceives anxiety should comfort nervous speakers. Researchers have found that most report nticing little or no anxiety in a speaker. Even indivuduals are trained to detect anxiety cues and are instructed to look for them, tere is little correlation between thir evalaitons and how anxious speakers actually felt. Psychology Today Michael T. Motley

. . . of the Speech Your chance to say something meaningful to others An extension of your ersonality and of your feelings, likes and dislikes

. . . of Yourself Accepting yourself for what/who you are Don’t think you have to be perfect Build a confidence that stresses your uniqueness and emphasizes your own personal potential – self-esteem

Examining the Planks of Confidence Building Confidence Examining the Planks of Confidence

CONTENT Have something worthwhile to say Share a message that contains facts and pertinent evidence Relevant message that builds on solid content Library, Internet, newspapers, current magazines, interview of someone knowledgeable, news, eductional programs

ORGANIZATION Have some type of an outline that is easy for both you and your audience to follow Logical format Main idea or main point being adddressed Clear areas of analysis Supporting evidence that fits Introduction leads to thesis statement Conclusion that summarizes the areas of analysis and provides some ending emotional appeal

NOTES Jot down your ideas in a brief, directred (preferably outlined) form Provide you with memory springboard – key word or phrase that reminds you of where ou are where you should be going in your speech

FREINDLINESS Be Congenial Convey warm, friendly attitude Be likable An audience that likes you is more likely to be receptive to your message

IMPRESSION Getting off to a good start with audience’s perception of you Facial expressions The way you are dressed If you expect to be taken seriously as a speaker, never allow your clothing, hair, makeup, or jewelry tot get in the way of your message Can draw attention to your main purpose: effective communicaiton Showing the audience members that you took the time to look good for them means that you respect them

DEDICATION PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! You have to get used to the sound of your own voice and speak as often as you can. looking at people while speaking your getsures Moving to see how your body feels while taking a step Will feel more confident because you’ve already done it!

EMPATHY Having a sincere understanding of the feelings, thoughts, and motives of others Stop and think: What are they thinking? Could they be facing problems at home? Problems with boyfriends o girlfriends? Will help you understand your audience’s feedback better

NEWNESS Apply some originality – shows you are a creative, intelligent speaker Taking a different approach to discussing your topic in a unique way: Clever anecdote Meaningful quotation Charts, graphs, artwork that reinforces your point Personal story

CONVICTION Believe in what you say Know what your principles are and have the courage to stand up and voice them Instead of “My Summer Vacation,” what about a single thing like Michelangelo and how he has inspired you in art. Instead of “My Friends,” what about an elederly couple down the street whom you have seen firsthand show the value of kindness, touch, a smile and compassion

ENTHUSIASM GET FIRED UP!!! Inspire your audience by showing them that you are fired up in tow ways: Intellectually – your mind is sharp and alert Physically – your body is actively involved If you can keep your cool, yet show youu audience members that you are excited about sharing your message, then you are sure to become a more confident communicator.