READING TIME: 90 SECONDS.
It’s always puzzled me why public speaking is higher on America’s list of fears than death or the economy. What’s the big deal?
The catch-22 of public speaking is that the more you do it the easier it becomes. The problem is that most of us don’t have much chance to gain that experience. Sure, naturally outgoing people are generally more comfortable than the more cautious and reserved, but there’s no substitute for experience.
There are a lot of ways that you can get that experience. When our children were in their early teens my wife and I made a deal with them. On the first Tuesday of each month, at suppertime, we would visit a foreign country. Let me explain. Our five children decided which country they wanted to ‘visit’ each month, and Wendy and I would research the menu and prepare a typical three-course meal from the chosen destination. During dinner each child agreed to give a short, informal presentation about predetermined aspects of the country, climate, tourism, industry, politics, exports.
We all had a month to prepare. I remember answering the phone on one occasion to be told, “This is the Mexican Consulate, may I please speak to Sandy?” She was ten at the time and had phoned asking for information. It subsequently arrived in the mail. At first, the kids were shy and nervous, but before long they were learning from each other how to research and how to make their talks enjoyable and informative. Guests would sometimes join us at the table and get in on the fun – we never took the content very seriously.
These entertaining adventures continued for more than a year and we had a wonderful time. Today, the kids don’t think twice when they have to give a talk or a presentation. Do you think this exercise helped them at school and later on in life? You bet. Do you think it’s ever too early, or too late, to start learning a skill as valuable as this? No.
Nick, what a fantastic piece. I *love* the idea of family “travel” presentations, and what a wonderful way to get over the public speaking jitters. Bravo!
Thanks for you inspiring comments. Enjoy your Day, Dianne
Old story: When asked by a lost NYC tourist “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” the (famous musician/entertainer) replied: “Practice. practice, practice.”
(Attributed to everyone from Jascha Heifetz and Arthur Rubinstein to Jack Benny and Louis Armstrong.)
Seriously, my sense is that your and Wendy’s creative dinners had another benefit for your kids speaking: it taught them to be themselves when the speak. So many speakers leave themselves on the sidelines and try to be whatever they think a speaker is supposed to be. Few of us are good enough actors to pull that off.
What a great idea! A few years ago I had to give several talks each month. My problem was blushing. I would stand up and within a minute be beet red. I could feel it coming up my neck until it reached my hairline! But there was nothing for it, so I just kept going. Eventually it happened less and less often. The interesting thing is that after the talk, people never mentioned it, but I did get a few comments about being “real”.
Great Boost
This same advice goes for those getting use to doing video, I know many on my networks that will benefit from this one. I have been getting a lot of positive feedback since I have started to add the 90 Second Boost feed to my networks. Thanks and keep up the great boosts.
Live Life With Love
That’s why I joined two Toastmasters clubs and I get involved at the leadership level too.
Sadly, in the modern age of “I want it all, and I want it now”, people too easily forget that talent takes time to develop. When someone has spent thousands of hours fine tuning their skills, they get comments of they are a natural, or they make it look so easy. I’d be willing to wager you can still remember the thousands of hours you spent fine tuning your skills Nicholas!
thats a great story , im sure your kids are very well balanced
I was so reserved I would attend meetings of the Durham Region Pharmacists Ass. for 8 years in the 1980’s & never open my mouth. I joined Markham Toastmasters in 1987 -1989 -til my son was born & now I am comfortable asking questions of anybody . It starts with Table Topics 1 minute impromtu mini-speeches & grows.
Thanks Nick for your encouraging boosts
Hi Nic
“The catch-22 of public speaking is that the more you do it the easier it becomes.”
That is so true but most people never even make a start.
My advice?
Join a Speakers Club and get in as much practice as you can.
Great post Nic – like the site.
Nick…what a great idea! We will be implementing this around our table with Keaton tonight.
Please see the latest project we are working on for the Corporate community. I think you will love it.
All the best to Wendy and the family.
Keep up the wonderful inspiring work…
Suzie xo
(Mckeegan-Pewter)
Simple but very creative. I will use this in my office with my colleagues. Since english is not our native language. So we can do this to learn how to do presentation in public with english.