Dr. Raul: I use public speaking when I give presentations at conferences and seminars, when I teach classes, in meetings, and in debates at the University Senate and committees.
YOU: How do you overcome your fear of public speaking?
Dr. Raul: By the time I started teaching, I didn’t have a lot of fear by that point. I had been through teacher training, dealing with a lot of issues like psychology of learning and behavior. We had public speaking courses. I was well trained before I got in front of a class. However, as an undergraduate during my first public speaking course, I blanked out and froze and wasn’t able to say a word. I developed skills and strategies to direct the fear that enabled me to be a public speaker. The next time I had to speak in class, I said something, but I couldn’t remember a word I said after I said after I sat down, but that was a gain.
YOU: What suggestions can you give me to improve my public speaking and delivery?
Dr. Raul: You need to know the subject matter inside and out, and be well prepared with the subject material; you have full control over that. Technique isn’t everything. Get a friend or roommate and ask if they will listen to the presentation informally, someone you can trust. Ask for a critique.
YOU: How do you use public speaking in your line of work?
SGT Bowen: As a Sergeant in the Army I am in charge of conducting training for my soldiers. Additionally, I am often tasked with providing training for company or battalion-wide classrooms. As a Section SGT, I lead the physical training exercises in the morning for my team and squad. I also brief Officers before and after missions.
YOU: How do you overcome your fear of public speaking?
SGT Bowen: The best way for me is to go over the information I am going to present on my own time, so that I am as familiar with it as possible before having to present it. Sometimes I look in a mirror as I practice.
YOU: Even though you are now an experienced public speaker, what challenges besides fear do you still encounter?
SGT Bowen: My audiences are always changing, and it is important to understand your audience when giving a presentation. Recently, I had to give a briefing to some Generals in a phone conference; that was a new experience for me, but I did well because I thoroughly understood the issues being discussed.
YOU: What suggestions can you give me to improve my public speaking and delivery?
SGT Bowen: Maintain eye contact with the entire group as you’re speaking. Pay attention to whether or not your voice is loud enough to be heard in the back.
My interviews with Business Professor Dr. Raul and Army Sergeant (SGT) Bowen were very useful in understanding successful use of public speaking in a work situation without succumbing to fear. The most notable aspect of these interviews is that they both advised having a very thorough knowledge of the subject matter before the public speaking event arrives. Both also suggested practicing the interview beforehand, whether it is in front of a mirror or a trusted friend. It seems that thorough knowledge of the subject and practice are the two most essential elements they suggest for making a successful presentation, but I will also use SGT Bowen’s suggestion to maintain eye contact and make sure everyone can hear me when making a public speaking presentation.
