I knew what he was going through, I was a member of Toastmasters for years and those lapses do happen, even to the very best public speakers.
Starting out I had Palin, Perry, Bachmann, Cain, in that order, as my choices. Here in PA our primary isn’t until April so I guess I’ll have to see who is still in the race by then. Right now I’m down to three choices.
I am well aware of Toastmasters and they seem to be a help for many who have trouble with public speaking.
Okay. Never a member and never bothered with them.
Confidence in public speaking is about mastering your subject, knowing the audience, and knowing yourself. You can either speak to an audience or you can’t. Those who can’t naturally can steady themselves with increased subject matter knowledge. I’ve also known many who had extreme knowledge of the subject matter who couldn’t bare themselves to the public.
Realize you aren’t perfect, no one is. Realize that no one judges you as severely as you do. Speak to the audience as you, an audience member as well, would like to be spoken to. Don’t apologize for being imperfect. And, most of all, direct the presentation where you need it to go. As the head of the room, you are running the show. Push in that direction and and make those who want to take it in another direction on the defensive. You are on the offensive and the room is yours if you make it so.
Just saying. I, most thankfully, can assume a room and present my points with success. I have done so in front of field employees and company presidents. It can be done by anyone if you heed the above.
Anyone can do it, if, you are comfortable with yourself and your ideas. That’s all it comes down to....
In spite of (or maybe because of) Perry’s momentary lapse, he was the only candidate in the debate who sounded sincere and didn’t act like a robot.