Comments on: Just get up and speak

By: A Hive In Limerick

A Hive In Limerick — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:36:41 +0000

I usually start off nervous… One of the methods I use to prevent a conversation/speech from becoming boring is to say the wrong thing. Usually works for me! although sometimes I wish my mouth had a back space key

My motto (aka Keynes), Words ought to be a little wild for they are the assaults of thought on the unthinking!

By: TUG

TUG — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:20:34 +0000

Ah, now that’d be telling!

By: Damien Mulley

Damien Mulley — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:57:46 +0000

Never saw you as the Grafton Street Singer/songwriter type. Where can I buy your CD?

By: TUG

TUG — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:51:04 +0000

I actually knew a female colleague who went on a course in London and declared that her boss had told her she didn’t have to do the workshops and left every afternoon. WTF?

Public speaking is not difficult, try getting up with a guitar, 3 chords and a bunch of dreams… Public speaking becomes easy after that!

By: Dave Ganly

Dave Ganly — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:13:10 +0000

Very true. And I’d add that while it’s great to beat down the nerves through practice, I find a small amount necessary. If you are not nervous at all, then you’ll lack sharpness. The key is to harness the nervous energy into good delivery.

By: Damien Mulley

Damien Mulley — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:11:09 +0000

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

@Dave Small crowds are less intimidating by far. Barcamps and open coffees are good for practice as Dennis mentioned.

By: Dennis Deery

Dennis Deery — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:41:48 +0000

Nicely said Damien! I too used to be terribly shy, but over time and much much practice became comfortable speaking in front of crowds. When you are that shy person people tell you to practice, it gets easier. And you’ll NEVER NEVER believe them, because it’s too hard to imagine. But it really does become easier with practice. Get out there and do it! Geeks are in demand these days, so audiences are easy to come by.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:53:24 +0000

Thanks for this post Damien and thanks for the info and help you have provided me and everyone so far. You have been extremely helpful.

I’m considering that course and am currently … waiting for the the Comedian DVD to arrive.

The day I get even “slightly less” butterflies will be a success.

Would you recommend starting with smaller groups and working up or just jumping in the deep end?

By: Maurice

Maurice — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:18:22 +0000

Great post Damien. Speaking in front of large crowds still makes me slightly nervous but having given training courses and tutorials for years I’m much more confident now than I was when I started in UCC all those years ago. And you’re right – refining the material, looking for feedback from the crowd, all helps immensley. Of course, I find it alot easier to speak when I know my stuff. When I’ve been through the material but also when its something I’m interested in and passionate about.

And now I have to go prepare for a presentation this afternoon about websites and social media of all things