One thing I found rather interesting is that people are more scared of public speaking than death…and there is a sound explanation. As it turns out, when we are rejected (say for a job, by a girl, picked last on the team, etc.) the same part of our brain gets activated as when we are struck with physical pain. Rejection and physical pain affect the brain in similar ways. Thus, if you go out in front of a large audience to speak and are rejected, then it’s like being hit by every single one of them.
One thing that helped me get over some fears were that in college I had a Club PR position where I would go to classrooms to inform students of events happening on campus. It was kind of boring and always a very simple, similar message, but it got me comfortable talking in front of a large classroom, making eye-contact, and talking to “public”. In addition, I decided to take the mental approach that the audience wants to hear me, as I am providing them value.
Granted, I don’t do tons of public speaking. In the future I wouldn’t mind doing a little stand-up comedy if I can come up with some good routines. However, when it comes down to it, the number one rule is have fun. If you have fun, then the audience will too, and then you can feed off their energy to keep on going.
Oh, as for the motivation for this post today, I had a 5-minute speech with two other American’s in my course on outsourcing, and it probably ended up being closer to 10 minutes. I probably went a little bit long, but the other two guys took way too much time, with “um’s” and talking about unnecessary information. They’re both smart and well educated guys, but not nearly as smooth in front of a group as in private. All the more reason to improve my social skills now while I’m young.
Time to get some work done…or watch the Simpsons Movie!
