Public Speaking-" Picture Them Naked " And Other Stupid Ways To Get Over A Fear Of Public Speaking

Public Speaking-" Picture Them Naked " And Other Stupid Ways To Get Over A Fear Of Public Speaking

Nervous first-time public Speakers have long been told a number of "creative" ways to help them get past the fear of public speaking. As a speech coach, communication consultant, and a professional Speaker myself, I can tell you these creative bits of advice designed to help you get over being scared are not only stupid, but will likely hurt you and make you feel worse.

Public Speaking-" Picture Them Naked " And Other Stupid Ways To Get Over A Fear Of Public Speaking

Public Speaking-" Picture Them Naked " And Other Stupid Ways To Get Over A Fear Of Public Speaking

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Public Speaking-" Picture Them Naked " And Other Stupid Ways To Get Over A Fear Of Public Speaking

Public Speaking-" Picture Them Naked " And Other Stupid Ways To Get Over A Fear Of Public Speaking

In no particular order, here are the three most common--and stupidest--ways people say to get past feeling nervous. When you hear these, run from the other person and DO NOT TAKE ANY ADVICE FROM THEM!!! (sorry to yell).

1. "Picture them naked."

This seemingly pornographic advice refers to imagining your audience in some position that lowers their perceived power. Othervariations on this theme include "Picture them in their underwear" and "picture them on the toilet." To all of these (and especially that last one about the loo), I say, "Ew." And how distracting! Not only do you have to remember your speech but now you have to visualize people in unflattering positions? No thank you. What's better? Visualize yourself delivering your speech calmly and confidently. And as for what to do with your audience? Look at them as people interested in hearing what you have to say and strive to make a connection with them.

2. "Instead of making eye contact look at their foreheads/chin."

Or Look at the back of the room. " (Really?) People do notice if you're not looking them in the eye. Unless you are in a large auditorium on a sTAGe toremoved from the audience, people will be able to tell if you are avoiding eye contact. And then they will not trust you and you will lose rapport quickly. Find people who seem genuinely interested in your presentation and speak to each one individually during your speech.

3. Start off with a joke. "

Only start your presentation with a joke if you are a priest, delivering your Sunday homily or a comedian. Or--if the joke is completely relevant to your speech. But if you feel nervous speaking to a group, it's not a good idea to lead off with humor. Starting with some random joke will only lower your credibility during the first 10 seconds when audiences are making their first impression of you. Then what if they don't laugh? Then you'll feel more uncomfortable withyour audience right off the bat. If they don't laugh, well now you're even more nervous because the first thing you planned "bombed.

So what is the best way to get past your nerves? Practice and prepare.
Visualize your speech going exactly as you want it to go. And strive to make a connection with your audience by paying attention to them. Remember, delivering a speech is not about you-it's about your audience and giving them what they want during your public speaking presentations.

Public Speaking-" Picture Them Naked " And Other Stupid Ways To Get Over A Fear Of Public Speaking

Weird Scholarships-Strange Or Stupid But They Are Still Worth Money

Heading off to college and looking for a student grant is a serious business but there are some weird scholarships out there that, although they may seem stupid, are worth a lot of money.

Weird Scholarships-Strange Or Stupid But They Are Still Worth Money

Weird Scholarships-Strange Or Stupid But They Are Still Worth Money

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Weird Scholarships-Strange Or Stupid But They Are Still Worth Money

Weird Scholarships-Strange Or Stupid But They Are Still Worth Money

Among the millions of possible college grants are some that most people wouldn't imagine exist. There is a duct tape scholarship. Just wear nothing but duct tape to your high school prom and you are in with a chance. Then there are the lefties. Students who write with their left hand are eligible for a special left handed college grant.

Tall people can claim to scholarship if they are over 6 ' 11 "for Men or 5 ' 10" for woMen. Not to be out done, there is also a short people's college grant.

If you are thinking of studying languages or linguistics then you may be ableto claim $ 500 from The Klingon Language Institute. It really exists and the good news is you don't even have to be fluent in speaking Klingon. There is more for Star Trek fans. There are scholarships for would be writers and even a medical one from the Star fleet Academy although I do not believe there is one for having long pointed ears.

Baking cakes, apple pie or being able to call ducks all carry valuable college grants. You can get free education at Texas A & M University if your surname is Sadasivam. If you like shooting things and read up on the Bill of Rights, the National Rifle Association may pay for your education.

Weird Scholarships-Strange Or Stupid But They Are Still Worth Money