Defeating the Fear Monster of Public Speaking

Public speaking is something most people fear, yet it is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. In this talk, I shared with the audience my personal experience in public speaking, how that has changed me, as well as ways people can get started and beat this fear.

This talk was first presented at Girl Geeks Dinner Sydney.

Transcript

1. Defeating the 
 Fear Monster of Public Speaking
2. @mobywhale
3. I LOVE public speaking “ - Hardly anyone ever
4. There are only two types of speakers in the world: the nervous and liars. “ - Mark Twain
5. Glossophobia
6. 75% of people have glossophobia http://www.glossophobia.com/
7. Symptoms • Dry mouth • Nausea • Sleep loss • Sweaty hands • Increased heart rate
8. How I began
9. What if your
 presentation is 
 wrong? Everyone knows
 what you know 
 already What if they hate
 your presentation? You’re not
 a good presenter
10. Everyone already
 knows what I know
11. FACT: Not everyone knows what you know
12. Everyone explains things differently
13. Speak from your own experience
14. I’m not good at
 public speaking
15. FACT: No one starts as an expert
17. Practice, Practice, Practice
18. We all start from somewhere
19. People might
 hate my 
 presentation
20. FACT: Most people are supportive
21. Focus on the positives
22. Seek constructive feedback
23. What if I say the
 wrong thing?
24. FACT: A lot of the times there is 
 no right or wrong

25. But why 
 should I do it?
26. Improves
 critical thinking
27. Pick topic Work out structure Work out content How to present
28. Improves
 communication
29. Explain things in a 
 succinct and engaging way
30. Explain things in a 
 succinct and engaging way and within time limit
31. Good communication skills
 helps all aspects of life
32. Builds up your
 confidence
33. https://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolastathers/16098664478
34. Confidence No. of presentations Fiona’s scientifically correct graph
35. Establishes your
 credibility
36. Increase your profile amongst peers
37. Opens up new opportunities
38. Employers love it
39. Very rewarding
 experience
40. Have discussions with likeminded people
41. Audience learnt something from you
42. How should I start?
43. Pick a topic
44. • Passionate about it • Good for short talk • Speak from experience
45. Present at work
 or meetup
47. http://sydcss.com
48. http://www.webdirections.org/code15/cfp.html
49. Practice!
50. How do I feel about 
 public speaking now?
51. Will you give public speaking a go now? :)
52. • https://tinyletter.com/techspeak
 Newsletter with Calls for Proposals and information on public speaking, with a focus on technical topics.
 • http://speaking.io/
 List of tips on public speaking
 • http://chriscoyier.net/2013/09/17/speaking-tips/
 Good tips esp if you’re just starting out Resources