Practice Made Perfect
by
PAUL M. LISNEK, J.D., PH.D.

PUBLIC SPEAKING DOESN'T HAVE TO BE NO. 1 FEAR

Speaking in public can unravel even the most self-assured of us. Surveys of human fears consistently rank public speaking as the No. 1 fear, followed by the "lesser" fears of death and killer insect bites. In fact, even the late comedian George Jessel quipped, "The human brain is a wonderful organ. It starts to work as soon as you are born and doesn't stop until you get up to deliver a speech."

In my career as a public speaker on lawyering-skills training (something I do several times each week) and as a coach for other professional speakers, I have learned that speaking in a public forum should be a most exciting and positive experience. You just have to combat the psychological fears that interfere with what can be a rewarding experience.

Public communication is clearly the most powerful and effective means of disseminating information and affecting the direction of people, organizations, and governments. Whether in court, in a continuing legal education program or on a social occasion, the desire to be effective when speaking in public has increased for most people. Many people have come to recognize the great responsibility we have to relate effectively with others when doing so in a public forum.

Success in public speaking rests in proper preparation, rehearsal, keeping some key delivery tips in mind and, most important, adjusting the movie that runs in our heads telling us over and over just how terrible the experience is going to be. Nothing can be further from the truth; we just have to make the shift internally. Simply put, for most people who fear public speaking, the resolution rests in their own minds, it is within their power to change.

Perhaps you haven't thought about it much, but you are guided and guarded by the pictures and movies that run in your head. These mental images that race through our heads constantly can be the source of our success or discomfort. Think about it. Perhaps you are afraid of flying, or afraid of heights, or have a fear of dogs. All these fears have one thing in common with public speaking: they live only in our minds. If you fear making a public presentation, it is likely because you see yourself over and over again failing in that presentation. Remember, this fear is only in your mind.

Do not underestimate the power of the unconscious. It is essential that you begin the process of reducing and eliminating fear by changing the movies in your mind. By using the methods of information-processing adjustment I write about in this column from time to time, you can make permanent positive changes in your life. I have worked with clients to help them eliminate their fears of flying, heights and even public speaking. The amazing part is that, for most people, it takes less than 30 minutes to make the changes and eliminate the blocks. There are some steps you can take on your own to trigger some positive change.

Start by seeing yourself succeeding in your own mind. See the audience enjoying your presentation, and experience the positive feelings associated with doing an excellent job. It may take some time to create permanent shifts; after all, the negative movies in your head have been embedded for years. But start the process now.

You can't expect others to enjoy your presentation unless you believe yourself that it will be enjoyable and informative. If you are psyched to give the talk, remember that others have come to hear what you have to say, and if you believe that what you have to say has value and interest to others, then you are on your way to making some positive change.

Preparation is key to an effective presentation. Few speakers can be effective speaking "off the cuff" without proper research and organization. Some can do a reasonable talk because they enjoy the experience to begin with. Their mind movie is the fun and enjoyment of public speaking so that even an impromptu talk doesn't phase them. For most people, spending the time necessary to put together an excellent presentation will add a great deal to your confidence level when making the presentation.

Rehearsing the talk is essential as well. Make your presentation in front of friends or family to gain positive feedback and suggestions on how you can do a better presentation. The more you rehearse your presentation, the more confidence you will gain. Each time you rehearse, add another step to that movie in your mind: See a successful presentation, see an audience that enjoys what you have to say.

On the day of the presentation, arrive early and check out the room. Arriving only moments before you have to speak creates enough stress to unnerve anyone. Visit the room, be sure it is set up as you wish and be certain to check out the equipment. Use the microphone, the overhead projector and stand behind the lectern. Get a feel for the room and the experience. This will also add to your confidence level as you strengthen the movies in your mind about the public speaking experience.

When you make the presentation, keep some simple rules in mind (that will appear like common sense, but get violated by speakers all too often):

1. Don't apologize or complainCfor anything. A speaker who complains about the room set-up, temperature, refreshments, starting late, leaving early, or whatever, does little more than call the audience's attention to something that may not have mattered to them in the first place. Simply begin, "Seeing that we are beginning a bit later than scheduled, let's move right into the..."
2. Don't chew gum or ice at the microphone. I have actually seen speakers sip water and chew their ice cubesCletting the noise go right into the microphone. Keep everything out of your mouth except for some water if you must have some.
3. Use visual aids whenever possible. People's attention spans are short. You will capture their attention for longer periods of time if you use an overhead projector and transparencies (which can be made simply with your PC and laser printer) or charts. Be certain that people in the back of the room will be able to read the materials.
4. Speak with sufficient volume and articulation. Unlike a conversation, consonants can be lost at the microphone, and people in the back might not be able to hear you.
5. Begin with an appropriate attention-capturing introduction and be sure to end with a summary of your main points. Avoid saying, "Well, I guess that's it," or "I'm done." Create closure by thanking the audience for their attention or leaving them with a key thought or quote.

Powerful public presentations are clearly within your abilities. Rely on proper preparation, rehearsal and a "smart" delivery. But most important, begin by embedding the positive images of the public speaking experience in your mind... and enjoy the applause.

A compilation of these articles is now available in book form, APractice Made Perfect.@ To order your copy, or to request a catalog of other litigation-related books, videotapes, and audiocassettes, please call (800) 847-7285.