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Public Speaking Tips


FutureCarmeliteClaire

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I only have one thing I feel I can add. I used to be very afraid and uncomfortable doing public speaking. Then I saw the Colbert Report. Stephen Colbert would not be afraid, and neither should I. He doesn't take himself seriously enough to let fear stop him, and doesn't worry about his dignity when he does it.  He is an actor too. He studied theater in college and did improv (method acting) afterwards.  Sure I was a little bit more confident anyway after I changed colleges, but I had been a huge fan of Colbert's work, and I did do better in my class presentations. I also learned from him that you cannot be afraid and laugh at the same time. I think there is some truth to that. If you can laugh at yourself or your situation, you probably won't be afraid to share about it.

 

After thought on rereading the first post: You said you feel God is calling you to talk here. If you are called to talk here, no matter what happens, God will use it. Woody Allen says 80% of success is just showing up. If you show up and God is going to use you, then you are going to do something for God. Maybe spend a little extra time in prayer while you are rehearsing and when you get there to talk, God will cover the rest.

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Basilisa Marie

If you can, try to find someone to practice giving the whole speech to.  An actual person can give you valuable feedback so you can feel more confident and tweak anything if necessary.  But even just doing it for your cat can really help get the pacing of things - my presentations always turn out differently than they do in my head.  OR give your talk to your cat (or dog, or whatever) and tape yourself.  It can be super uncomfortable, but you can notice a lot of things while just watching yourself.  :)

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If you can, try to find someone to practice giving the whole speech to.  An actual person can give you valuable feedback so you can feel more confident and tweak anything if necessary.  But even just doing it for your cat can really help get the pacing of things - my presentations always turn out differently than they do in my head.  OR give your talk to your cat (or dog, or whatever) and tape yourself.  It can be super uncomfortable, but you can notice a lot of things while just watching yourself.   :)

 

This is good to do at least a couple times before giving the talk.

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A Yearning Heart

You're the expert in this talk: you know more about yourself than anyone else in the room (except God) :)

 

Prayers :) 

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theculturewarrior

I don't know a lot about public speaking.  My disability puts me at distinct disadvantage.  I can tell you this much though.  Do not identify yourself as disabled American having a mental health crisis.  It will fall to pieces quickly!  :D

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FutureCarmeliteClaire

I'm not a disabled American having a mental health crisis... So it would be very odd to label myself as such.

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Groo the Wanderer
I don't know a lot about public speaking.  My disability puts me at distinct disadvantage.   :D

 

I disagree.  One of my lectors has a learning disability and is still dealing with the effects of a bout with cancer. He is one of the best we have, likely because he has to work at it more.

 

Don't sell yourself short.  God does not call the qualified, He qualifies those He calls...

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look everyone in the eye, imagining them naked. raise your eyebrow like Barney and you will be Legen - wait for it - Dary!

 

Barney-Stinson-barney-stinson-15066651-8

 

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I got a different set of instructions regarding being a reader/lector at Mass... and they are apropos here.

 

1)   Pray for your hearers.  That they will hear what God wants them to hear.  :)

 

2)   Invite the Holy Spirit to team with you.   You and the Holy Spirit will give that talk.  It WILL make a difference.  BUT the HOly Spirit will not come unless asked, nor stay unless wanted.  So ask and want!!!!

 

3)   When you give your talk, let the Holy Spirit pour through you. You aren't entertaining them, you are letting God work through you. Prepare, yes, but when the moment happens, let God do the work.

 

 

Let us know when it is happening, and we'll be there supporting you with prayer...

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Groo the Wanderer
I got a different set of instructions regarding being a reader/lector at Mass... and they are apropos here.

 

1)   Pray for your hearers.  That they will hear what God wants them to hear.  :)

 

2)   Invite the Holy Spirit to team with you.   You and the Holy Spirit will give that talk.  It WILL make a difference.  BUT the HOly Spirit will not come unless asked, nor stay unless wanted.  So ask and want!!!!

 

3)   When you give your talk, let the Holy Spirit pour through you. You aren't entertaining them, you are letting God work through you. Prepare, yes, but when the moment happens, let God do the work.

 

 

Let us know when it is happening, and we'll be there supporting you with prayer...

 

 

not good to proclaim the Word in tongues....

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