Yes, the header is an awful public speaking joke and what do screaming goats have to do with it? Bear with me. There IS a reason for it.
A Common Myth
In the speaking world, there are a lot of myths about what makes “good” or “bad” speakers. One I hear all the time is about extroverts and introverts. “Extroverts are more confident.” “Introverts are not as good at public speaking.” Nope. Neither of these is true. Some of the best speakers I know consider themselves introverts, and ALL of the professional speakers I know have trouble with nerves or insecurities around speaking occasionally.
The More You Know – About Public Speaking
Did you know that many professional speakers change their presenting decks on the flight to the event or in their hotel room the night before speaking?
Most people ARE good at public speaking but don’t know it. When asked about speaking, people often say, “I’m not good at public speaking,” “I’m too awkward,” or “I’m too nervous.” That is not “bad” at speaking; it’s just someone who needs to prep differently. It’s normal to have nerves about speaking. Pros get them too; we’re just used to it.
The phrase “butterflies in my stomach” refers to a nervous, fluttery feeling that people often get when they are worried or stressed about something. I still get “butterflies” even after decades of speaking. I’ve been told, “You shouldn’t have that if you’re experienced.” Bunk. My butterflies are my battery. I LIKE my butterflies. I have them under control; after all these years, they fly in formation. So, if nerves don’t make you a bad public speaker, what does?
Who IS truly terrible at public speaking?
To be terrible, awful, no-good, and very bad at public speaking, a person must be SO arrogant about their speech that they only care about their voice and message. Their content is more important than the audience. They don’t focus on who hears the message or what they will do with it. They act like it’s a privilege to be able to listen to them.
That’s what makes a bad public speaker. Everything else is just inexperienced, untrained, or unpracticed.
What about you?
What are the expectations you have for yourself? Do you think you should never make a mistake? Do you think you need to sound like someone else? I have a little desk toy, a screaming goat. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a goat standing on a log, and when you press the base of the log, the goat screams. That’s the “Oh Hell! I messed up” tool I use in many webinars, trainings, and live streams when I goof. It’s become the Rourke Training mascot. We even used the screaming goat in a “share your worst speaking picture” campaign.
The Screaming Goat Has Spoken!
The last time I used that scream goat toy was during a live event when things went sideways. I just picked up the goat, played the scream into the mic, and said “The goat has spoken. We need to start over.” Your audience doesn’t need you to be perfect. They just don’t want to see you miserable.
How do you get past being miserable? Practice. Yup, I know, not what you wanted to hear. Practice. Then, practice again. Please don’t practice in front of your boss or an important client. Connect with friends, co-workers, or a coach. It takes time, but the rules of practice are simple.
The Rules of Practice
How do you know you messed up so badly as a speaker that you should give up and stop practicing?
- They threw fruit or rocks
- You saw pitchforks and torches
- Someone ended up bleeding or on fire
That’s it. Everything else is workable.
Not everyone will like you. You WILL get both good and bad feedback, and sometimes you’ll wish you had a screaming goat toy of your own. Being good at public speaking has nothing to do with being an introvert or an extrovert; you don’t have to be perfect. Do you know the subject? Do you care about the audience getting value? Great. You’re most of the way there already.
Check Out Our YouTube Channel
The Rourke Training – Ongoing Mastery YouTube channel has a bit of something for everyone. Go there to get Kirsten’s take on examples of public speaking, as well as reflections on her entrepreneurial journey. The channel is also the home of the podcast Kirsten and Kellie produced for 5 years, Ongoing Mastery: Presenting & Speaking, which covers everything connected to continually improving your craft of being a public speaker, from interviews and mini-coaching sessions with guests to conversations between Kirsten and Kellie.
Come join us.
Kirsten
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