If it wasn’t for that fact that the statistics haven’t really changed, it would be something of a cliché to point out that when polled, most people list public speaking as their worst fear, even worse than death. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, as many as 74 percent of people feel that way. Basically, that means three out of four people, including so-called “extroverts,” would rather die than speak publicly. And yet, in the world we now live in, with the internet, smartphones, social media conference calls, and Skype, there has never been a time when developing skills in public communication could be more useful in our day-to-day lives.
Sure certain professions may enable people to hide from this fear indefinitely, but who really aspires that idea? Anybody who works in any kind of corporate environment understands that glossophobia is a fear the passes rather quickly. The office environment simply imposes public communication, at least in minor degrees on pretty much every employee. However, that doesn’t mean that everybody in those types of environments grows to master the art of public speaking, or business communication for the same reason that not everyone who learns the alphabet goes on to become great writers.
The fact is that business communication, and public speaking are art forms. Like other art forms, there may be some people with more aptitude than others, but anybody can cultivate and refine the skillset with a bit of effort. whether you are preparing a speech, making a budget request, interviewing for a job, selling something but holding your price, ending a relationship — business or romantic — or actually professionally interested in negotiation training or influence training, success lies in training, research, and focused effort. Mastering the art of public speaking is a process that must be undertaken deliberately.
One last statistic: About 10 percent of people love every second they spend in the limelight They feel exhilarated by public speaking, and after completing a speaking engagement, look forward to their next chance to do it again. Imagine the potential for rewards that come with being in that group. Whether you aspire to that mindset, or you just want to achieve improvements in your professional or personal life, the process starts with gathering information, so we’ve compiled some examples of a few advanced methods and techniques taken from some of the best public presentations ever produced by TED Talks. Enjoy.
