Since I was a child, the idea of speaking before a group has been the cause of skyrocketing stress levels, tension and frenzy. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld put this common fear succinctly with, “People would rather be inside the coffin at a funeral, than deliver the eulogy”. In both my professional and personal lives, however, public speaking is a necessity and I have worked very hard to conquer my fear. For me and for the majority of people, the #! confidence booster is is good knowledge of your subject matter.

The Library has quite a few books on public speaking. The major points usually included in the guides are:

1. Prepare for the speech.
2. Make an outline with talking points, rather than a manuscript so the speech is more conversational.
3. Rehearse the speech.
4. Ask questions about format – what is the set up, including AV equipment, the audience, and how much time you will have.
5. If you are nervous, slow down.
6. Eye contact is important.
7. Use technology sparingly.
8. Don't acknowledge that you are nervous.
9. Visualize yourself being successful.

For more advice on how to keep the attention of your next audience, check out these items:
Present like a pro: the field guide to mastering the art of business, professional, and public speaking by Cyndi Maxey and Keven E. O'Connor.

The elements of great public speaking: how to be calm, confident, and compelling by J. Lyman MacInnis.

Public speaking for dummies by Malcolm Kushner.

Mastering the art of public speaking by Peter Desberg.

No-brainers on public speaking [videorecording] / No-Brainers Think Tank produced by Barry Rubenstein; written by Matt Flanagan; directed by Jonathan M. Reich.

The public speaker's Bible : the definitive guide to speaking in public by Stuart Turner.

And do you know about Toastmasters International? It is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. We have a chapter right here! The Nashua Hudson Toastmasters Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month at the Nashua Public Library from 6:30 -8:30 PM. For more information, call Mike @ 603-889-8152 or take a look at their website.