Fear, Truth and Reality in Making Presentations

Abstract

Surveys consistently put public speaking near the top of the list of people′s fears. Aims to show presenters ways of dealing with those fears and becoming more effective speakers. Reflects on the nature of people′s fears and suggests ways of looking at these more realistically, by challenging common ways of overstating them and replacing them with a more positive view. Such new ideas need to be taken on board in small easily managed steps. Examines the nature of the objective of a talk and how this must be realistically achievable and take the audience into account. Then, by committing to that objective and focusing on transmitting the meaning of what is being said, an interesting delivery style will automatically follow. Finally, exhorts speakers to be themselves, and to be assertive – neither aggressive nor apologetic.