1. Public Speaking- It Actually Can Be Fun! Karen Hughes Miller, PhD Associate Professor of Graduate Medical Education University of Louisville School of Medicine Karen.miller@louisville.edu

2. DISCLAIMER Dr. Miller has no conflicts of interest related to this content.

3. Busting Myths About Public Speaking …. Myth 1: I’m afraid to speak in public. You are not actually “afraid” of public speaking. Real fear is reserved for real threats like poisonous snakes. You may feel “anxious” or “uncomfortable”, but let’s not waste fear on something we know we can master.

4. Busting Myths About Public Speaking… Myth 2: Everyone can do this but me! Unless they are a shameless extrovert, or had too much spiked punch at the party, NO ONE is totally relaxed when speaking to a group. Being too relaxed makes you sloppy! You want to be just slightly nervous and on your toes. Actors call this their “edge”.

5. Busting Myths About Public Speaking Myth 3: I’m not good enough (or I don’t know enough) to speak to a group. You are the one they wanted! You were invited! You are the one with the good idea! This is your time to shine. You have earned the spotlight. You are all well educated, attractive, professional people. And you can totally do this!

6. So How Do We Prepare? Let’s use the 3 step process… Audience Speaker Content

7. Content … Do your homework and know your content really well. Frame your content with your audience in mind: What do they already know? How much do you add? Where do you summarize? When to stop! Success

8. Content … Prepare your content with your goal in mind. I want to:  Share  Teach  Entertain  Persuade  Sell  Mediate Let your goals determine your language and delivery style.

9. Speaker …that’s you! Be prepared to look and feel your best. One of the reasons we may feel anxious about public speaking is that people will be looking at us. (But they did not sneak up on us… we knew they would be there!) It is not silly or vain to take care with your appearance when you are planning to speak in public. It’s just sensible!

10. Speaker …that’s you! Practice using your pipes. This means actual “practice”! It takes time and perhaps some coaching. Speak from your diaphragm Move your whole mouth Speak slowly so you can breathe with ease Go watch the movie “My Fair Lady.” What did Henry Higgins actually teach Eliza Doolittle? And, if you are really new to this, try reading into a recorder and listen to your voice. What would you like to correct?

11. Speaker … that’s you! Use your eyes, face, and (sparingly) your hands. I look for friendly faces in the groups and make eye contact. Work the room – right to left and front to back. Relax enough to let your facial expression convey your content. This is serious… You’ll enjoy this story… I was surprised to learn…

12. The Audience… If you do not connect with your audience, nothing else matters. If you do connect with your audience, they will forgive and forget any little slip-ups.

13. The Audience… If you are speaking to a new audience (strangers), get to know as much as you can about them ahead of time … age, gender mix, interests, education level, and sore spots! If you are speaking to a group known to you, build on shared experiences (both good and bad) to make a connection.

14. The Audience … Thank everyone!!! Thank the person who introduces you, thank the audience for being there, thank people for questions, and even thank the old crank who wants to argue with you. “Thank you for that interesting observation for us all to ponder.”

15. Summing it up! Do your homework so you: Know your content, Are at your best, and Can connect with your audience. Practice alone or with a “coach” until you feel comfortable. Be yourself! You are the one they asked! You have a story to tell or information to share. Enjoy getting to share your ideas and information.

16. Questions … Questions for you! Questions for me!

17. Additional Resources … Deborah L. Jacobs. Six ways to be an amazing public speaker. FORBES. Jan. 6, 2014. http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2014/01/06/six- ways-to-be-an-amazing-public-speaker/#4f404216d1a5 http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2014/01/06/six- ways-to-be-an-amazing-public-speaker/#4f404216d1a5 Brian Tracy. 27 useful tips to overcome your fear of public speaking. http://www.briantracy.com/blog/public-speaking/27- useful- tips-to-overcome-your-fear-of-public-speaking/ Mohamad Zaki. 7 Little Tricks To Speak In Public With No Fear. http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/7-little- tricks-to-speak-in-public-with-no-fear.html http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/7-little- tricks-to-speak-in-public-with-no-fear.html