Public speaking skills seem to be something of a phenomenon to those who don't have them. Whether it's a speech to hundreds of people or a small in-class presentation, some students just can't snap out of their rigid, frightened stance when it's their time to talk.
For those who are terrified of that speech or that presentation they have to give, there are ways to improve. Wednesday, Feb. 13, Life and Learning Workshops presented "Public Speaking is Now in Session."
Approximately 15 students attended to improve their public speaking skills and ultimately to get over what scares them most. Terri Frysh, a community engagement coordinator with Student Life, led the class through a series of exercises and discussions about common public speaking mistakes and professional tips for improvement.
"Ninety percent of what you're nervous about doesn't show," Frysh said.
Students focused their public speaking efforts on being and appearing more confident. According to Frysh, taking a public speaking class can greatly improve the confidence of some, so much that they are able to speak smoothly and securely in public.
"My goal [is] to have people leave here feeling confident," Frysh said. "I usually get positive feedback about the workshop."
Nick Kabat, a sophomore political science major, attended the workshop because he feels public speaking will be a necessary component in his career.
"Public speaking is an important thing to be able to do," Kabat said. "I want to go into politics, and I believe that any leader has to be able to communicate effectively." Participants were split into groups, and each group had to invent an animal within five minutes, including the sound it makes, its prey and where it lives. The groups each picked a representative to present their new creature to the class. Students had the opportunity to practice presenting something very open-ended in front of a large crowd.
Students were surprisingly confident when presenting their animal. Frysh explained that their newfound confidence was largely due to their presentation not involving specific details and because there was no wrong answer. Students who felt sure about what they were talking about, knowing their answer couldn't be wrong, found speaking in front of the group to be much easier.
According to Frysh, ultimately, the reason many feel so unsure of themselves when speaking in public is because they don't feel sure of the information they are presenting.
Frysh recommends that when students need to speak in public, whether it's a presentation for a job or a class, they need to make sure to know all the facts. Being sure of the details and knowing you can't be wrong can be a major confidence booster. Preparation, Frysh said, can reduce as well as mask how nervous you really are.
"I had to give a speech once and I didn't prepare, but I thought I could wing it," Kabat said. "I got up there, and could only [speak] for about three or four minutes, even though it was supposed to be 20 minutes. It was horrible."
Frysh recommends never being unprepared for a speech or presentation, because if the speaker only has some information, they will still appear nervous and unsure.
According to Frysh, public speaking fears can come from one bad experience in front of a group, which almost everyone has had to do.
"In high school, I had a topic to present and a girl asked me a question," Frysh said. "I spent about five minutes flipping through a textbook in front of the class, because I didn't know the answer."
Frysh said that being able to overcome a bad presentation or speech and now speak in front of a class is inspiring to students.
Students looking to participate in a public speaking improvement class can register at http://workshops.buffalo.edu.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
