Focus & Concentration

According to statistics, fear of public speaking is either the first or second most common fear, far ahead of dying which sneaks in at No.7.

Even experienced speakers have some anxiety when speaking in front of a group of people. Laurence Olivier was often physically sick before going on stage and Mark Twain said, 'There are two types of speaker, those who are nervous and those who are liars'.

Most probably, your concerns are more related to failing in public than speaking in public.

Most people are worried that they will freeze or lose the thread and then look foolish or unprofessional.

In the days and weeks before an important speech or presentation, the issues are both practical and mental.

On the Practical Side

You need to know how to organise the messages, write a script and prepare materials if necessary.

Our Planning Model is perfect for this. It is designed to help you penetrate your subject and will give you the confidence that only comes from knowing what you are talking about.

It is generic enough to be adapted to most subjects and occasions.

On the Mental Side

Especially in the early stages of your development as a speaker, your aim is to overcome all habits of mind which inhibit the ability to give of your best. You have an inner dialogue to control.

For example; maybe you want to be liked and admired. You want to be seen as a good speaker.

This is normal, but problematic.