THE MOLAR EXPRESS

Archive for June, 2009

There are other things you can do to control communication anxiety, which go under the general heading of skills training. Actually, just about everything you learn in a speech class can help you harness your feelings of fear.
First, select a topic that interests and excites you, so that you will get so involved with it that there is little room in your mind for worry about yourself.
Second, choose a topic that you already know something about so that you will be more confident. Then build on that foundation of knowledge. Visit the library. Access the Internet. Interview local experts. The better prepared you are, the more confident you will be that you have something worthwhile to say.
Third, consider whether you might use a presentation aid—a chart, graph, object, or model. Referring to a presentation aid during your speech encourages gesturing, and gesturing helps release excess energy in constructive ways.
Fourth, practice, and then practice some more. The more you master your message, the more comfortable you will be, and the more successful you can expect to be.
Fifth, develop a positive attitude toward your listeners.
Don’t think of them as “the enemy.” Expect them to be helpful and attentive.