Section 1: Understanding Stage Fright Building Confidence Section 1: Understanding Stage Fright

What is confidence? The feeling that you have when you believe you are capable of handling a situation successfully Are you born with confidence? How do you gain it? Value structure Firm foundation Attitude of assurance

What is fear? Communication apprehension means that we’re afraid to speak in public. 90% of Americans are extremely uncomfortable with public speaking. Fear is a biological process according to Dr. William Guys. Fear fuels the body through the form of adrenaline.

How do I deal with fear? Deal with it Run from it “Fight or Flight Syndrome” Phobia – a persistent, irrational fear of something

Who Gets Frightened in Front of an Audience? People fear public speaking more than they do death. Fear of public speaking can affect anyone.

Top Ten Fears In a 1999 survey Americans feared the following the most Dogs Loneliness Flying Death Sickness Deep water Financial problems Insects and bugs heights

And the number one fear in 1999 was Public Speaking

The Top 10 Fears that Keep People from Getting What They Want in Life 1. Fear of Failing 2. Fear of Success 3. Fear of Being Judged 4. Fear of Emotional Pain 5. Fear of Embarrassment 6. Fear of Being Alone/Abandoned 7. Fear of Rejection 8. Fear of Expressing Our True Feelings 9. Fear of Intimacy 10. Fear of the Unknown http://www.bgsu.edu/organizations/asc/Fears.pdf

Assignment Read Chapter 2 Section 2 Complete worksheet ch2p1 in WebCt

Establishing an Accurate Perception Chapter 2 Section 2

What is perception? It is how you see things. You gain awareness and understanding of people, ideas, and situations. It is a tool that helps us learn more about ourselves, others, and what our objectives are in life. You have to have “confidence” in order to establish an accurate perception.

Your Perception of the Audience Many fears about speaking in public are unwarranted. Audiences are unaware of how nervous you might be as the speaker. Most audiences are forgiving audiences.

Your Perception of the Speech View your speaking as an opportunity to share something you enjoy with others. Don’t look at this as a time for you to “Perform” for your audience like a comedian in a show. Look at this as an opportunity to communicate with others about something that you care about. Your perception should indicate how powerful your words can be.

Your Perception of Yourself Your look 99% of all women in the nation would change at least one thing about their looks. Recognize your own worth. Don’t fear being human. Self-esteem is confidence!

What Have You Learned About Perception? Perception is a key element in developing confidence. Don’t let the shadows of stage fright make you a victim. Let your perception of you work for you!

Assignment Read Chapter 2 Section 3 Complete worksheet ch2p2 in WebCt and submit via email to Mrs. Knodel by tomorrow. Vocabulary Lesson 3 is due on Friday.

Examining the Planks of Confidence Chapter 2 Section 3

What are the planks of confidence? Content Organization Notes Friendliness Impression Dedication Empathy Newness Conviction Enthusiasm

Content Credibility Deserving of respect Message contains facts and evidence that is pertinent

Organization Format is logical. Must have a main idea, areas of analysis, and evidence that supports the main idea. No room for scatterbrained notions

Notes Use notecards as a security net Beware of using too many words on a card and using too many cards! They are not a substitute for good preparation.

Friendliness To have friends, you have to be a friend. Positive feedback from the audience Friendliness is a “magic bullet” when speaking in public.

Impression The perception of you from the audience is vitally important. Watch the way you are dressed and groomed. 55% of what others think of you is determined before you open your mouth for the first time.

Dedication Practice is essential. Speak out loud while practicing in order to hear yourself. Practicing eye contact is important. Practicing builds confidence.

Empathy “Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.” Be sincere Find common ground “We’re all in this together”

Newness Be an original! Take a look at your topic from several angles. Use visuals, quotes, etc.

Conviction Walk the Talk Believe in what you say Make it personal Conviction will allow you to focus more on the topic and less on your fears of public speaking.

Enthusiasm Be a cheerleader for your topic Be energetic intellectually and physically. Use your enthusiasm to burn off nervous energy.