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From: Alan Badmington
Date: 04 Oct 2006
Time: 14:41:02 -0500
Remote Name: 84.67.197.51
Hi Joseph, Thank you for participating in the threaded discussion. Public speaking is now a huge part of my life - I have so many engagements. During the past four years, I have undertaken an extensive programme of talks to community organisations in an attempt to increase public awareness about stuttering. This has opened so many other doors, totally unrelated to stuttering. I now give talks about a variety of different subjects: host concerts; and provide after-dinner entertainment at social functions. The stuttering-related programme that I joined back in 2000 offered numerous, initial, opportunities for public speaking. I expanded further by becoming a member of several public speaking organisations in the UK - similar to Toastmasters International. Do you have such facilities in Uganda? If so, I strongly recommend that you seek membership. The experience that I gained has given me a huge amount of confidence that I have been able to carry over into my everyday life. I have become accustomed to pausing; improved my articulation, assertiveness and voice projection/intonation. I have learned about the value of gestures/body language; and practised impromptu speaking, debating and giving prepared speeches. If Toastmasters (or such an organisation) does not exist in your country, I respectfully suggest that you might consider purchasing some books or tapes about public speaking. These should assist you to gain a better understanding of what is involved/required - although, in my view, there is no substitute for actually standing before an audience, facing the fears/emotions and gaining the experience. Speaking Circles is another venture that you might consider as it is designed to assist the participants to connect with an audience. Here are some links that from which you should be able to gain some useful advice/hints: Toastmasters International:http://www.toastmasters.org/ Association of Speakers Clubs (UK only): http://www.the-asc.org.uk/ Speaking Circles:http://www.speakingcircles.com/ You may also wish to consider using creative visualization. This technique involves creating positive mental images in advance of a speaking engagement/presentation. It can help you to enter into those situations in a much more positive and relaxed state. There are also books/tapes/Internet articles about this subject. When we sow positive seeds, we are more likely to reap a successful harvest. Conversely, if we sow negative seeds, a crop failure is almost inevitable. I understand that meditation and breathing exercises have also been known to reduce stress. I wish you every success. Kindest regards Alan