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From: Gary J. Rentschler
Date: 14 Oct 2005
Time: 08:07:12 -0500
Remote Name: 165.190.57.89
Jerrie Videotaping can be another tool to enable you to be an "objective observer" of the behaviors that have developed in the speaking process. I have the most difficulty right at the beginning of a speech. What I've learned to do is memorize (over-rehearse) the first 2 minutes of my talk so I can spend more effort on techniques to get off to a good start. My focus is slow rate and smooth voice... sometimes hearing my voice and relaxed rate sort of tricks me into thinking that "I must be more relaxed than I'm feeling, just listen to me." This is a totally different, and more positive message, than I usually am sending myself in this situation. The inner messages are another component to work on... focusing on the positive messages (the same as you would advise a friend) instead of focusing on the negative (usually how nervous you feel or how fearful you are that something will go wrong)can become a terrific part of the "mental game" of speaking. Lots of luck on your continuing success; thanks for reading the article and taking the time to comment.