Master the Fear of Public Speaking

Welcome to Speak Universities, The Art of Speaking Digital Academy!

In this course, you can expect to learn a range of skills that will help you to improve your confidence, communication abilities, and leadership potential. We will use a variety of interactive activities and materials, including role-playing, pair work, and speech-writing exercises, to help you practice and improve your speaking skills.

By the end of the course, you will have gained a valuable set of skills that will help you to excel in any situation where speaking is required. We are confident that you will see significant improvement in your speaking abilities and be able to take your career and personal life to new heights.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the course, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at Speak University.

Your success depends on your actions. I urge you to take full advantage of the material presented in this course. I want to also encourage you to show up and participate during our virtual experience days. Please look out for reminders inside our private community.

If you have not already joined our community, please go to the resources section to scan a QR code that will take you to the right place.  This group is where you will turn in your work for feedback.

I can't wait to see the progress you make!

Challenge

Your first challenge for this course is to get a journal and document your journey throughout this class. You can use your phone, but I highly encourage you to use a hard-copy journal to write your thoughts.

Write in this journal every day!

If you have a writing assignment, you will simply write in your journal, take a picture, and upload it as directed. I'm not concerned about how you show your work. I just want you to do the work.

You have something special that only you can give. I will echo those words throughout your time with me.

Whatever limitations you think have you stuck are not as mighty as you think? Up to this point, you've made it through all previous obstacles. I hate to bust out the cheesy acronyms, but fear stands for

FALSE-EVIDENCE-APPEARING-REAL

We know that sometimes fear and other limitations can hold us back from reaching our goals. That's why we are here to help you overcome those challenges and reach new heights. In this course, we will work together to develop strategies for overcoming execution paralysis and reaching your goals. We will use interactive activities not limited to mantras, writing exercises, and video challenges, to help you practice and apply these concepts in real-life communication scenarios.

CHALLENGE

Your first challenge for this lesson is to face your fear head-on.

Make a video discussing your biggest fears and share it on our private community page. Don't be vague - your fear doesn't have to involve speaking. Also, please give us a few possible solutions that you believe will help you overcome your fear. By taking this first step and sharing your fears and solutions, you will be on your way to developing the confidence and skills you need to excel as an effective communicator.

A healthy mindset is essential for developing a strong technique and achieving progress toward your goals. In this course, we will work together to identify and overcome any self-limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. I know first and foremost the power of this mindset shift, as I have personally had to let go of my own self-limiting beliefs in order to achieve progress. For example, I used to be afraid of driving on the highway and would always take back roads instead. But by repeatedly telling myself, I love driving on the highway and taking action to get on the freeway, I was able to overcome my fear and even find joy in long-distance driving.

I want you to experience the same sense of empowerment and progress. So I encourage you to believe in yourself and take action to overcome any self-limiting beliefs that may be holding you back. In this course, we will provide specific strategies and techniques for developing a healthy mindset and achieving your goals.

Let's get started!

CHALLENGE

Wake up every morning and give yourself positive affirmations. Find something that is amazing about you and say it! Do this every day! The awesomeness doesn’t have to only include speaking. Look in a mirror or record yourself on the phone declaring some serious positive affirmations.

To make the most of this challenge: Come up with a list of specific affirmations that are tailored to your individual goals and needs.

Be creative and have fun with your affirmations. Consider creating a playlist of songs that contain positive affirmations, or using visual aids like posters or sticky notes to remind yourself of your affirmations throughout the day. Be consistent in your practice and make affirmations a daily habit.

Make a journal entry. Was there anything significant about how doing this exercise made you feel?

Dig deep:

Be reflective in your journal entry and think about how the exercise made you feel both in the moment and over time.

Be honest and share any struggles or challenges you may have faced in the process. Use this opportunity to better understand your own mindset and identify areas where you may need to focus additional effort.

Self-efficacy is the confidence you have in your ability to achieve your goals. It's the belief that you have the skills, knowledge, and ability to execute the behaviors necessary to succeed. For example, if you want to become a confident public speaker, you need to believe in your ability to speak effectively and communicate your message.

1. Self-efficacy is a crucial building block for self-esteem and confidence. Without it, we may struggle to take action or pursue our goals. But with it, we can overcome obstacles and achieve great things.

2. Acknowledge your fears or other barriers that are holding you back. This is the first step to overcoming them.

3. Learn more about the subject matter. The more you know about a topic, the more confident you'll be when speaking about it.

4. Gain experience through action. Don't wait for the perfect opportunity – start speaking now! The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you'll become.

5. Seek mastery by continuing the learning process.

   
   

CHALLENGE

Watch the video of the Hollywood producer Michael Bay in the resources tab.

Michael is a world-renowned Hollywood producer and director known for his work on iconic movies such as Transformers, Armageddon, and Pearl Harbor. Michael was contracted to speak at an event, but things didn't go as planned. He experienced technical difficulties and was unable to complete his speech, leaving the stage mid-presentation.

For this exercise, watch the video and write in your journal what you would have done differently in this situation. What tactics would you have used to prevent this from happening?

Have you ever experienced something similar? How did it make you feel? Make a video about how you feal and post it into the group.

Practicing something that we're afraid of, such as public speaking, can be intimidating. However, avoiding tasks that make us anxious can actually increase our fears. For example, if we don't practice before a presentation, we may not perform as well as we would like and risk the chance of never wanting to speak in public again. This is true for meetings and group exercises as well.

I've found that my own struggles with public speaking have often been due to a lack of practice. I was afraid to practice because I was afraid of making mistakes, but the only way to overcome that fear is to practice. By acknowledging our fear and taking action to prepare and practice, we can build confidence and improve our performance. Remember, it's okay to make mistakes or "bomb" sometimes, as long as we learn from those experiences and continue to practice and improve. Practice can help us feel more comfortable and prepared, which can help reduce some of the fear and anxiety that can come with public speaking or other challenging tasks.

Challenge

1. Find an accountability partner for regular feedback and motivation.

2. Practice delivering a 3-minute speech on any topic to improve your delivery skills.

3. Post the video in the Facebook group.

Remember: Seek regular feedback and focus on your delivery as you practice.

Challenge yourself by completing the recording in one take.

Your message is important, but when you're presenting, the focus should be on your audience, not on yourself. This is a course about communication, and effective communication involves more than just speaking.

For instance, paying attention to body language, both your own and others can be a helpful way to improve your communication skills. Can you think of other social cues that will help you as a communicator?

As a presenter, your goal should be to give your audience value. If you're too focused on yourself, your audience may become an afterthought. On the other hand, if you're fully committed to providing value, your delivery will be more natural and your message will be easier for your audience to decode.

This week's challenge is designed to help you see the importance of focusing on your audience and giving them value. Scroll down to the challenge section to get started.

Challenge

I want you to go people-watching!

1. Go out and observe people in various communication situations, such as conversations, presentations, or listening.

2. Focus on body language, active listening, and verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

3. Reflect on the quality of the connection between participants and your own communication skills.

4. Write about your observations in your journal, including any examples of effective or ineffective communication.

5. Share your observations and reflections with the group.

Remember: Effective communication involves paying attention to cues, actively listening, and being mindful of the connection between participants.

Welcome to our lesson on communication terminology, also known as "lingo." Lingo refers to the specialized vocabulary used in a particular field or by a particular group of people. It is important to understand this terminology in order to effectively communicate and understand others in the field of communication.

In this lesson, we will cover the basic terms that you need to know in order to have a strong foundation in communication. We will also delve into some of the more specialized lingo that is commonly used in the field. By the end of this lesson, you should have a solid understanding of the terminology used in communication and be well-equipped to use it in your own conversations and presentations.

Here are a few examples of lingo that you might encounter in the field of communication:

1. Active listening

2. Nonverbal communication

3. Verbal communication

4. Public speaking

5. Interpersonal communication

   
   

**These are just a few examples, and we will be covering many more terms in this lesson. Review the attached PDF for reference. Please feel free to download this resource as a keepsake.

Challenge

The objective of this challenge is to test your understanding of commonly used words in communication.

I don’t want you to memorize the terms I want you to understand them. You can always use this course as a reference.

1. Watch the lecture above.

2. Download the vocabulary PDF

3. Take the quiz by clicking the link in the resources.

Effective communication often involves being vulnerable and revealing our weaknesses. I've found that my favorite leaders in the workplace are those who are not afraid to show their vulnerabilities and use them as a source of strength. While it's not necessary to constantly share our weaknesses with others, it can be beneficial for our audience to see that we are real people with flaws and vulnerabilities.

I used to be afraid of being judged by others, so I hid my pain for many years. This made me feel miserable. However, I learned that sharing my vulnerability can have a powerful impact on others. For example, during a podcast interview, I shared my fear with my guest, and his reaction was priceless. He was very open and vulnerable with me for the rest of the interview, and many other people reached out to me to say that this one clip helped them come to terms with their own fears.

Challenge

Okay, now watch the amazing TED Talk given by Brene Brown regarding vulnerability. You can find the video in the resource section.

In your journal, write about your current level of comfort when showing vulnerability.

Reflect on the video and on your comfort with vulnerability in your journal.

Consider the following prompts:

1. What are some specific experiences in which you have shown vulnerability? How did it impact your relationships and communication with others?

2. What motivates you to be vulnerable, and what are the potential benefits or drawbacks of this choice?

3. How do you think vulnerability affects your relationships and communication with others? Do you feel that it has a positive or negative impact?

4. Are there any resources or strategies that you have found helpful in improving your comfort with vulnerability?

5. Post your thoughts on this exercise in the group.

Effective communication requires more than just speaking; it also involves actively listening to what others are saying.

There are four types of active listening that we should strive to master: appreciative, empathetic, comprehensive, and critical.

1. Appreciative listening involves taking in the message and finding value in it.

2. Empathetic listening involves trying to understand and feel what the other person is saying.

3. Comprehensive listening involves understanding the main points and details of the message.

4. Critical listening involves evaluating the message and considering whether it is logical and accurate.

   
   

By mastering these different types of active listening, we can become more effective communicators and better understand and connect with others.

Challenge

1. Practice the four types of active listening (appreciative, empathetic, comprehensive, and critical) during conversations for the next week. Be genuinely interested in the conversation and use the appropriate type of listening at the appropriate times. Take notes on your experience and observe others.

2. Create a video to capture your observations and post it to our private Facebook group.

When preparing for a speech, it is important to carefully consider the method of delivery. The method you choose can greatly impact the effectiveness of your speech and the impact it has on your audience. There are four main methods of speaking: Impromptu, Extemporaneous, Manuscript, and Memorized. Each method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one for your speech and audience is crucial.

Impromptu speaking is a method of speaking with little or no preparation. This method requires speakers to think on their feet and rely on their knowledge and experience to deliver a speech. It is often used in situations where a speaker is asked to speak unexpectedly, such as giving a toast at a wedding or responding to a question in a meeting. The key to impromptu speaking is to stay calm, speak clearly and use simple language to get your message across. This method can be challenging, as it requires the speaker to be quick on their feet and adapt to the situation.

Extemporaneous speaking is a method of speaking with preparation and notes. This method allows speakers to have a general outline and key points prepared, but also allows for flexibility and spontaneity during the delivery of the speech. This method is often used in debates, public speaking competitions, and other formal situations where a speaker is expected to speak with some level of preparation. To be effective in extemporaneous speaking, it's important to have a clear structure for the speech and be able to adapt to the audience and situation. This method can be more effective than impromptu speaking as it allows the speaker to be more prepared but still allows for flexibility.

Manuscript speaking is a method of speaking from a written script. This method involves reading a speech word-for-word from a written text. This method is often used in situations where the speech is complex, technical, or controversial, and where the speaker wants to ensure that the speech is delivered exactly as written. This method allows the speaker to focus on the delivery of the speech, including tone, pace, and emphasis, but it can also make the speech seem less spontaneous and less engaging for the audience. To be effective with manuscript speaking, it's important to practice reading the script and to make sure that the speech is written in a clear and engaging way.

Memorized speaking, is a method of speaking from a memorized script. This method involves committing the entire speech to memory before delivering it. This method is often used in situations where the speech is highly personal and emotional or where the speaker wants to make a very strong impact. It allows the speaker to deliver the speech with a high level of confidence and emotional intensity. However, this method can also be risky, as the speaker may forget parts of the speech or be thrown off by unexpected interruptions or questions. To be effective with memorized speaking, it's important to practice the speech multiple times and to have good memory retention skills.

Remember, choosing the right method of delivery for your speech is crucial in ensuring that your message is communicated effectively to your audience. Consider the context of the speech, the audience, and your goals before deciding on the method that will be most beneficial. With practice and preparation, regardless of the method chosen, you can deliver an impactful and memorable speech.

Challenge

Your challenge for this section is to start preparing for your extemporaneous speech. This speech will be your final. You will start by selecting a topic, using the provided worksheet as a reference.

Share your chosen topic and reasoning in a video and upload it to our private Facebook group. We will discuss and review your topics during our live exercises. Start preparing now to ensure success in your final speech.

It's okay to not feel 100% ready for your presentation or meeting. We all naturally ponder the details of our assignments, and sometimes we get stuck on them.

This is called analysis paralysis. It's the worst!

How many people do you know who has sat on an amazing project for too long because they lack belief in themselves?

It's frustrating to watch an amazing idea or concept sit on the shelf. To avoid this, you have to let go of the concept of perfection. Perfection doesn't exist. Complete your task with excellence, which means doing your best. Take some time to let the details sink in, do some research, and take action! Procrastination can is actually healthy when you're able to take control of the situation instead of letting the situation take control of you. Take some time to carefully ponder a strategy for execution and then EXECUTE!

Challenge

Record a short video sharing an amazing idea or product that you have shelved because of analysis paralysis. Post it in our private community and get feedback and support from others. It's okay to seek help and support when you are struggling to move forward with a project. By sharing your ideas, you will have the opportunity to connect with others and learn from their experiences.

When attending or hosting a meeting, it is important to be prepared and to give your best effort. This means taking the time to understand the purpose and objectives of the meeting, and coming prepared with any necessary materials or information. During the meeting, try to stay engaged and focused, and make an effort to communicate effectively with others.

To help ensure that your meetings are productive and successful, it's important to follow these basic principles and best practices. This might include setting clear objectives and agendas, allowing time for open discussion and participation, and staying organized and on track.

Even if you are not a fan of meetings, it is important to recognize their value as a tool for collaboration and decision-making. By following these guidelines and making an effort to be prepared and engaged, you can help to make your meetings more productive and meaningful.

Challenge

For this exercise, practice preparing for and participating in meetings or interviews. Use the provided resources to prepare, then reflect on your experience in a journal or video. Share your reflections with the group and discuss any challenges or successes. Consider what worked well for you and what could be improved during future meetings or interviews.

The importance of first impressions cannot be overstated, however, it is important to remember that you can always recover from a poor first impression. While it is essential to make an excellent first impression, it is even more crucial to focus on delivering your message effectively and with confidence.

Your reputation can significantly impact your success as a speaker in any scenario. To establish credibility and build trust with your audience or team, your communication must be genuine and authentic. Remember, it is okay to make mistakes – the key is to learn from them and continue to improve. By focusing on being the best version of yourself and delivering your message with conviction, you will be well-prepared to succeed as a speaker.

Your challenge for this lesson is to take into consideration the key attributes regarding first impressions we discussed in the video above.

1. Make a journal entry detailing how you believe others currently see you. I would also like to hear your goals regarding your ideal presence. Meaning what would you like to be known for?

2. Come up with a few big openers relating to your favorite topic and share them with the group.

3. If you were watching the video above for the first time and you had never seen me speak, what impression would I leave on you? Re-watch the video if you need a refresher. Pay close attention. Post your thoughts in the group.

4. This is going to be a great group discussion!

Everyone wants to be happy, and one way to show happiness is through smiling. Smiling can also help to evoke other positive emotions, such as creativity and learning.

Using humor in your public speaking can be a quick way to get your audience smiling. Whether it's a meeting, interview, or presentation, humor has many benefits.

Here are four key benefits to consider:

1. Humor creates a bond between the speaker and the audience.

2. It energizes and keeps the audience engaged.

3. Humor provides emotional relief and helps to lighten the mood.

4. It helps the audience remember the takeaways and leaves a positive impression of the speaker and the material covered.

Challenge

Write down or record a few funny stories in your journal or on video. Share them in the Facebook group. If you're having trouble coming up with ideas, ask your accountability partner for help. Practice using humor and get comfortable sharing your stories with others.

Storytelling is an art that has been around for centuries. It's a powerful way to connect with your audience and transport them to another place or time. When telling a story, it's important to consider who you are speaking to and tailor your story to them. What will they be interested in hearing? What do they need to know?

To bring your story to life, use descriptive language that paints a vivid picture in the minds of your listeners. Use sensory details and figurative language to create a more immersive experience. There are also many storytelling techniques you can use to help your story stand out, such as using cliffhangers, foreshadowing, and characters with distinct personalities. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for your story.

The more you practice telling your story, the more comfortable and confident you will become. Consider rehearsing in front of a mirror or with a small group of friends or family to get feedback and improve your delivery. Above all, make sure your story has meaning and purpose. It should be something that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impact. Don't be afraid to bring your unique voice to the table and let it shine through in your storytelling.

Challenge

For this challenge, create a transformation story in a video, journal entry, or audio recording. Follow this structure: hero, mission, villain, something at stake, resolution. Keep it under five minutes. Share it in the group for feedback.

Upload your story to the group for feedback.

The pause is a powerful tool in the arsenal of any effective storyteller or speaker. When used effectively, it can create suspense, give the audience a chance to process what you've said, and increase the impact of your words. Avoid the temptation to rush through your message or to talk too much. Instead, use strategic pauses to break up your words and give your audience time to absorb your message. With the right balance of words and silence, you can make your message more powerful and memorable.

Don't miss out – join us for the Q&A session to learn more and share your own experiences.

Challenge

Write down a few of your best stories and share them with your accountability partner. Collaborate to determine the most impactful story that you should share. Record a video of yourself telling the story, using descriptive language and storytelling techniques. Pause at the climax for a few seconds before finishing the thought. Share the video on the Speak University community page

As a speaker, it's important to be genuine and let your natural voice shine through. Avoid forcing your voice or trying to be someone you're not. It's also important to project your voice and be heard by the audience, but there's no need to shout to nail your point.

Mistakes are inevitable, so don't be too hard on yourself when you do make one. The key is to learn from it and move on.

Challenge

In your journal, describe your speaking voice and reflect on your comfort level with it. Have you ever changed the way you speak because you felt like your voice wasn't good enough? Identify areas for improvement and come up with a plan to work on them.

Use the resource below as a guide to help you create an outline for your final speech using the extemporaneous speeching method outline. Remember your speech should be one of your favorite subjects or at least a subject that you're interested in. The key is to be knowledgeable about the subject and do your research! Your outline is only a guide. This should be fun. Don't make it difficult.

Upload your outline inside our private group.

The closing portion of your speech is crucial for leaving a lasting impression on your audience. This is your opportunity to reinforce the main points of your speech and ensure that your message stays with your audience long after you've finished speaking. To make your close truly memorable, try using a strong call to action or a memorable quote or story. Practice your closing statements and seek feedback from others to perfect and enhance your technique. With a powerful close, you can help your audience remember the information you've presented for the rest of their lives.

An extemporaneous speech is a speech that is prepared in advance but delivered without the use of notes or a script. To craft an extemporaneous speech on your favorite subject, here are some steps you can follow:

Choose a topic: Choose a topic that you are passionate about and know a lot about. This will make it easier for you to speak extemporaneously and will help you deliver a more engaging speech.

Do your research: Gather information on your topic. This will help you provide more depth and detail to your speech, and will also help you answer any questions that the audience might have.

Outline your speech: Organize your thoughts and ideas into an outline. Use one of the two outlines we used in previous lessons. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your speech flows smoothly.

Practice your speech: Practice delivering your speech out loud. This will help you get comfortable with the material and will also help you identify any areas where you might need to do more research or add more detail.

Deliver your speech: When it's time to deliver your speech, take a deep breath and focus on your audience. Speak clearly and confidently, and use the skills we've learned in this course to engage and inspire your audience.

I hope these steps are helpful! If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Challenge

In this final challenge, you will craft and deliver an extemporaneous speech on your favorite subject, using the skills you have learned throughout the course.

Review the concept of extemporaneous speaking and the importance of being prepared and confident when delivering a speech.

1. Choose your favorite subject to speak about and do research to gather information and ideas.

2. Organize your thoughts and ideas into an outline for your speech.

3. Practice delivering your speech out loud. Use storytelling techniques and rhetorical devices to make their speech more engaging and persuasive.

4. Deliver your extemporaneous speeches via video and up it to the group.

Tell us what worked well and what could be improved. Ask your Speak Univerity community for feedback.

Congratulations on making it to this point. I am so proud of you! It brings me so much joy to see you push past your limits. Again, the journey is not over.

I would love to continue walking with you on this journey! 

Challenge

Your final challenge in this course is to create a plan for maintaining and improving your public speaking skills. One strategy that I find effective is to commit to speaking at a minimum of two engagements per month.

This helps me stay sharp and continue to improve as a speaker. Additionally, I recommend reading about the topics you are typically booked to speak about, as this will help you stay knowledgeable and well-prepared for your presentations.

Lastly, never stop learning and growing as a speaker by continuing to volunteer for speaking opportunities and actively seeking out new challenges. 

Record a video of your plan for sustainment and drop it in the group! 

Congratulations!