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From: Alan (to Ross)
Date: 03 Oct 2011
Time: 08:46:00 -0500
Remote Name: 95.144.68.2
Hi Ross, Thank you for taking the time to read my paper and for providing such generous feedback. Following that fortuitous occurrence on April 1, 2000, I subsequently became a personal friend of the person whom I heard talking about his public speaking activities. Our mutual interests have brought us together on many occasions during the past 11 years, including addressing groups of PWS at different locations. Quite independently, I have given presentations (on various aspects of stuttering) on three different continents (Europe, North America and Australasia). It may interest you to know that I presented workshops at the National Stuttering Association annual conferences in 2002 and 2006. In addition, I also facilitated a one-day workshop for members of the Philadelphia NSA Chapter in 2005. It has also been my pleasure to share my experiences with SLP students at several US universities where PWS have been present. In 2009, I crossed the Atlantic, once more, to undertake the role of guest speaker at the annual luncheon of the Santa Clara County Speech and Hearing Association in California. Again, several PWS were in the audience. As a member of various stuttering-related online discussion groups, many PWS worldwide are aware of my speaking activities and frequently contact me for guidance. If you have the time (and, of course, the inclination:-)), you may wish to listen to me talking about public speaking (and other matters relating to stuttering) in a Skype interview that I gave earlier this year for inclusion on a well-known blog created by a prominent member of the NSA and FRIENDS. Here is the link to the podcast: http://stutterrockstar.wordpress.com/2011/06/02/paying-it-forward-episode-1/ As I mentioned above, I regularly receive correspondence from PWS who are interested in taking up public speaking (or improving their skills). Here are some of the points that I recently invited a PWS to consider in advance of an upcoming work presentation: “When we undertake an unfamiliar role (such as public speaking) we will almost certainly experience a degree of apprehension or self-doubt. It's a natural reaction for anyone who steps outside their comfort zone. Such feelings are NOT confined to those who stutter. The secret is to harness the nervous energy so that you speak with passion, excitement and enthusiasm. A speaker who is too relaxed may well come across as being lack lustre and uninteresting. Remaining on the subject of nerves, I feel it is important to keep a close eye upon your self-talk during the days/hours/minutes leading up to your presentation. If your little inner critic begins chattering in a negative manner, pay attention to what it is saying – don't suppress it. If it casts doubt on your ability to successfully undertake the presentation, forcibly retort by telling yourself that you are more than capable of fulfilling that role. Recall memories of any previous occasions that you have successfully presented and affirm that you have the resources to deal with whatever challenges arise. There is danger that if we allow negative thoughts to chatter out-of-control, they will grow in strength and influence. If they are repeated unchecked, they may take us in unwanted directions, causing molehills to become mountains. The end result is that our anticipatory fear increases and our stress levels rise. The accompanying physiological reactions may not be conducive to effective public speaking. As I mentioned earlier, some nervous energy is fine but too much can be detrimental. You may also wish to consider practising some visualization. At the earliest opportunity, take time to create a movie (in your head) of the forthcoming event. See yourself arriving at the venue. Picture yourself entering the room in which the presentation will take place. Hear the cacophony: absorb the outlay of the room; and visualize the audience standing up/chatting and then sitting in their seats. Hear/watch yourself being introduced and see yourself making your way to the microphone in a confident/positive manner. Once at the podium, deliberately pause to take an unhurried sip of water. Then launch into your presentation, speaking and conducting yourself in the manner of your choice. Make the movie loud, make it colourful and above all – make it a positive experience. Hear the laughter, see the encouraging reactions from the audience and magnify the applause. :-) Play that movie over and over in your head as many times as possible before your actual presentation. My understanding is that our subconscious is unable to differentiate between something that ACTUALLY occurs, and something that we vividly imagine. In effect, we dupe/fool our mind into believing that we have already been there, done it and worn the T-shirt. :-) Building up such an accumulative reservoir of positive speaking experiences (in my subconscious) has greatly reduced my fear levels in advance of an upcoming event - and also on the day. I will now touch upon the subject of body language. It is of prime importance that we prepare for such an event by ensuring that we are in the correct frame of mind. Can you imagine what will happen if our inner voice is saying such things as: "I don't really want to be here. I wish I'd never agreed to give this presentation. They'll find me boring. I haven't got anything of value to say. They'll think adversely of me if I stutter." Without doubt, it will be depicted in our body language. And, as we all know – what we show to the world, it will reflect back to us. You are able to counteract this by carefully selecting the words that you say to yourself: "I'm really excited to be here today.” “I'm so glad I volunteered to give this presentation.” “They'll find me interesting.” “I'll make a valuable contribution.” “As long as I fulfil my intentions, I'll be satisfied. They wouldn't have invited me to speak unless they had confidence in my ability." Further enhance your body language by adopting a confident posture and deportment. Don't forget to maintain good eye contact (by directing your gaze towards different sections of the audience) and, of course, smile (when appropriate). And, finally, make every effort to record your presentation in advance of the day. I use a small digital appliance for the purpose. The reason I make this suggestion is two-fold: (1) Firstly, it enables you to hear exactly what you intend to say. I've written many speeches that seemed suitable on paper but when I've listened to the recording, I've amended the script. (2) Secondly, by playing the recording over and over, you will become more and more familiar with your presentation. By listening repeatedly to a speech, I find that the words simply fall into place at the real event. It should also help you to adjust your pace, volume and overall delivery. If time is at a premium, you may need to play the recording while you are in the shower, en route to work (car/train/walking) and during your lunch hour. And, most importantly, let go, enjoy the occasion and HAVE FUN!” Ross, one further point – you enquired about what I would suggest should someone experience a block/repetition/etc. My recommendation is that they should simply deal with it without displaying any distress or frustration. If we show signs of embarrassment or discomfort, this will impact upon the audience. They will feel uncomfortable in return. If we are able to demonstrate that we are accepting of the manner in which we speak, it has been my experience that our listeners will do likewise. They will take their cue from us. Being an effective communicator does not necessarily mean that we have to be fluent. I know many ‘fluent people’ who are poor communicators. I also know many PWS who are able to communicate well and connect with an audience. And, finally, I would recommend that the PWS should consider joining a public speaking organisation such as Toastmasters International, or something similar. Ironically, my busy programme of speaking engagements (which already extends as far ahead as October 2012) precludes my attendance at such meetings. :-) Ross, I hope that you find something of interest midst my protracted senile ramblings. :-) Kindest regards Alan