Communications Challenge

When I was in school, I had to present my research many times in front of different audiences. It didn't matter how many times I prepared. I always had the feeling of wanting to throw up before speaking in front of an audience and still do today. I have a habit of recording myself when preparing for a presentation. Watching the videos helps me become aware of how I act on the outside versus what I feel on the inside. Before it's time to speak in front of an audience, I take a few deep breaths and then jump right in. It's like getting tossed into the pool as a child. You're going to sink to the bottom or float up to the top, but you won't know until you jump in.

Great Start - My experience with speaking in front of people is to be prepared and know your subject. My first presentation at AWWA, I was very nervous and was worried that I would forget parts of the presentation. Once I got going and I was confident about what I was speaking about, it was not hard. I have used this technique during numerous times I have spoken in public.

When I was given the honor of presenting a best man speech for my brother I was terrified. As one of the authors stated Practice makes perfect. When I finally wrote the speech, I began practicing. Reading to everyone who would listen and even when they wouldn't. The morning of the speech I went for a long run to clear my head. While the speech was not perfect (what is) I did it and I am still alive today to write about it.

Talking in front of a group can be challenging, but is also rewarding.
This video shares some good tips. Thanks

This is a big stumbling block for me! What I found helpful was the technique of refocusing your brain or redirecting your energy. For example listening to a favorite song right before you speak.
Also think about the worst thing that could happen. You might get booed? That's highly unlikely going to happen.

All of this is making me wonder what all of our entrance songs are.

I enjoyed reading the articles and the specific takeaways each author presented. Personally, whenever I have to present or prepare myself for a big moment, I play songs by the one and only, Eminem. His music gets me in the zone, and makes me feel like I am the man! Becoming enthusiastic with the subject or ideas you're presenting makes the process a lot easier. My biggest takeaway is have fun with it and become the speaker that you would find most engaging.

I have had the privileged opportunity to speak in groups ranging in size from 2 to 2000 people. Each with its own challenges and rewards. In all cases I really treated nearly all the same. I would prepare and visualize leading up to the day and during the approaching hours I would focus more on the present surroundings. I have a set of rituals I follow, i.e. breathing exercises, talking stretches, a special phone call & a private conversation to a power greater then myself and then just get out of the way and let it happen.

This is a great challenge. I myself suffer from speaking in front of large crowds. I like to listen to a song that would get me hyped. Looking forward to learning more and sharing my thoughts and comments.

Being able to captivate the audience with proper preparedness and using the anxiety as a tool for excitement makes so much sense. I really enjoyed going through all the articles and information for insight to engage conversation and communicating.

Fantastic presentation! I learned to be prepared and visualize what I need to communicate to help reduce my anxiety when speaking in front of groups or in public.

This was a great approach to thinking about nervousness and anxiety when public speaking. Something that I found interesting was the idea of "second hand anxiety". When you think back to all the times that a public speaker was nervous or had awkward tension it made the whole room tense. Working around these natural feelings can really help a person grow as a speaker. Really interesting video and articles.

Speaking with kindness and generosity counteracts the sensation of being under attack. Helps calm the nerves. Good take away

Thank you all for contributing comments to Day 1. I hope others will be joining in as well. This is a great platform to share ideas and learn from each other. Let's all continue to be opened minded, put in the time to learn, and get better at we do...one day at a time.

Pre performance rituals are a reoccurring theme in the articles. It reminded me of my go to rituals before an interview. Prepare like crazy, and think of any and all questions that might be asked and have a prepared response. On my way to the interview I would listen to bass heavy music, based on a talk I heard that said bass heavy music increased confidence levels. Lastly when I arrived I would go to the bathroom... and pose in front of the mirror like I had just won a race, facial expressions and all. This was meant to put my mind in a winner's mood.

I agree with practice makes perfect. That's why us here at the Glenwood Plant every other week every one of us, we pick a safety topic and we get in front of the room and talk about it and share a video about the topic. Even if it's for only five minutes. This will hopefully makes us feel more confident in speaking and not fear speaking in a group.

Preparation is key to overcoming anxiety and fears. It's true! I use this all the time with my daughter and it really helps!

Just be yourself... What helps me is my bubbly personality.

You're not talking / speaking to a crowd, you're only addressing one person.

So if I yell out "That's AMAZING!" you guys will understand?
Thanks for a great 1st day.
My biggest takeaways were converting fear into excitement and also learning to connect with an audience.
I also thought writing the 'worst that can happen' and 'the best that can happen' to be a useful exercise. I guess another hurdle might be not blowing manageable fears into unrealistically large fears.

Thanks guys. I know there is a lot of content packed in the first day. I still get nervous when I have to speak, particularly in large groups. Some of the takeaways I learned on this first day, have helped me get through some tough public speaking engagements. The takeaways for me today include:

Turn the fear into excitement. You have something to offer.

Vulnerability gives us the ability to connect.

A quick way to get grounded is to feel your feet on the ground, take a breath, and find a friendly face in the audience to connect with — anything that gets you back in the present moment.

Your ego can be your enemy. Too much ego, and you won’t be vulnerable enough to connect with your audience. Too little ego, and you won’t earn your audience’s trust enough to deliver your gift.

Tell yourself, “Brain, this presentation is not about me. It is about helping my audience.” Over time (usually between four and six presentations), your brain will begin to get it, and you will become less nervous.

Great 1st assignment. I learned about facing my nervousness with excitement and gratitude. Thank you!

Just have fun with it when making a presentation or delivering a message to a group large or small. Practice makes perfect.