1. Understanding Stage Fright
Building Confidence
Understanding Stage Fright

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. Extablishing Accurate Perception
Building Confidence
Extablishing Accurate Perception

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

8. . . . 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

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

10. . . . 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

11. Examining the Planks of Confidence
Building Confidence
Examining the Planks of Confidence

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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!

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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.