One study pointed out that the thing people fear the most is public speaking. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once joked, "Lying in a coffin at a funeral is more comfortable than giving a eulogy." ”
There are quite a few studies that show that fear of public speaking (also known as "public speech phobia") tops most fear rankings.
Michael Crom, chief learning officer at Dale Carnegie Training, said: "Public speaking is clearly not in the 'comfort zone' of the average person. You need to be prepared for a variety of situations. He recalls speaking at a medical conference: "My last speech. It was late, and after the people in front of me had finished speaking, they started turning off the device. So all of a sudden, I can't use presentations (PPT) or images anymore. ”
For many people, the audience is in a hurry to leave and lose the "crutch" of PPT themselves, which means that a workplace nightmare has become a reality.
Geoff Church of Dramatic Resources points out that people's reluctance to give a public speech can lead to absurd situations: "You'll see that it takes a month to prepare a demo and then decide who's going to be the speaker on the way to meet the client in a taxi." "Dramatic Resources is a business training company that borrows stage techniques.
Paul Edwards, a professor of information and history at the University of Michigan, said: "Stage fright is varied, but mainly due to inexperience. Other reasons why people aren't good at public speaking include seeing negative archetypes —that is, those around them who aren't good at speaking—and learning the bad habits and patterns of those people. ”
Also, since most people don't have many opportunities to speak publicly, they tend to treat exams like little kids, seeing it as an ordeal rather than an opportunity to stand out.
Another problem is that business people often see themselves as experts in communication. They usually perform well in meetings or social situations, but not so well in public speaking.
Nick Smallman, of Working Voices, a communication and presentation skills consultancy, says few people take action to overcome fear because it's not entirely clear what great speeches are worth. "People don't recognize the positive role it plays in public relations," he said. ”
Church suggested asking themselves: What does someone look like when they stand on stage and influence the audience? "People assume that if you speak well, you are a leader, whether you actually are or not. It's really unfair. ”
If told well, public speaking can also provide an opportunity to impress someone you wouldn't normally be able to reach.
In addition, Edwards points out that the benefits of public speaking are likely to be increasing because the rapid proliferation of things like online video presentations and TED conference talks means we're moving toward a culture that focuses on oral expression.
Smallman likens speech skills to learning to ride a bicycle: "You just have to retrain your brain. You need to practice, but once you've mastered it, your level never drops – never worry about it again. ”
Moreover, since most people's speech skills are so poor, you just have to act "successful" enough to make yourself shine. Church explains: "There's a 'mediocre tacit understanding' in this. If you put the slides in the right order, people will praise you for doing a good job. But it's not really good; so if you do it really well, people think you're talented. You get paid for it completely beyond the effort you put in. ”
When it comes to how to improve public speaking skills, it can be divided into two main aspects: what to express and how to express. The two are mutually reinforcing, but the former is generally considered more important. Keep in mind that the following tips will help you prepare to speak or speak:
● Be sure to understand the audience and write your speech with the audience in mind. Edwards points out: "Sentences that are very effective in writing are often not very effective when spoken out of the mouth, because these sentences can be long and complex. ”
● Conceptual aspects emphasize narrative (such as personal experiences that bring the subject to life) and repetition. Most people can only absorb three points from your presentation, so it doesn't make sense to list nine points.
● The more information you prepare, the better. This will give you a good idea, and if there is a Q&A session later, the information can come in handy at any time.
● Practice – Practice alone or in front of colleagues and family members. This is the best way to overcome tension. Bob Etherington, author of Presentation Skills for Quivering Wrecks, said: "It might be a good idea to record the practice, but don't practice in the mirror because it can be very distracting." ”
● Do not follow the script. Otherwise, it's hard to connect with your audience. You can use the speech without having to try to memorize the entire speech.
● Do not attempt to use the autocillator. Etherlington said: "Newscasters look as usual when they use automatic prompts because that's what people practice. ”
• Distinguish between formal and informal speeches. One of the most important things is to get rid of the "pause in vocalization" – "um" and "ah". Martin Newman, a mentor who has worked with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Vodafone Chief Executive Vittorio Colao, explains: "When you speak at the meeting, the message of these pauses is: 'I'm still thinking, so please don't interrupt me.'" But if you, as a speaker, no one will interrupt you under any circumstances. ”
● The guidance should be very clear. When you speak in a group, the main thread of your conversation is determined by other people's questions, questions, and interjections. When speaking in public, ways should be found to make up for the lack of this main line.
● Anticipate questions that your audience may ask and answer them during your presentation. That way, the audience will feel like they're talking to you.
● Change tones and accents, and use body language well. Newman said: "We must stand firm. Think about how famous guitarists like Brian May stand. You have to take root under your feet like they did. ”
● Throw away PPT, or at least reduce the dependence on PPT. PPT is often the visual equivalent of management jargon, cloaked in professionalism, but it makes the main idea of the message ambiguous. If you speak according to the PPT, then it sounds like you are reading aloud. In addition, PPT is complicated and distracts the audience. Edwards said: "Only by no longer using PPT can we make the speech lively and lively. ”
● The ending part should be impressive. Most people end with the words, "I think that's all I'm going to say," and their limbs loosen. Estherington's advice is to summarize and then call for action: "People expect speakers to tell you something to do at the end. Let them sing your song. ”
Financial Times Author / Reimer Rigby Translator / Xing Wei
http://www.ftchinese.com/story/001053193?full=y