ABSTRACT
As you learn to address your audience, you might never once consider giving yourself permission to speak in front of people. This rarely enters our minds. The fact that we normally don’t explore and analyze the challenge of speaking in front of an audience can be the source of much uncertainty and fear in the mind and body of the speaker.
This chapter examines the notion of giving yourself permission to speak in front of others as a way of giving you more confidence and less anxiety. You will discover the power and confidence that arises from an examination of your perceptions and attitudes toward speaking, especially the idea that we must be perfect, making no mistakes or even awkward pauses in our speaking delivery. You will be asked to consider being an effective speaker—a natural speaker—and NOT a perfect speaker. This notion of perfection, not only in public speaking, but in life, will be dispelled, and a healthier speaking goal of natural engagement and joy will be emphasized. This chapter will also introduce impromptu speaking skills as well as specific suggestions that will help you succeed in a hybrid public speaking course.
