When I first found myself having to do some public speaking for the first time (my first ever undergraduate class), I deliberately chose a very controversial and potentially offensive subject that was sure to insult at least some people in the audience as well as to raise quite a few eyebrows.

My idea was simple - one good way to ensure that your presentation causes a dialogue is to offend some people. Of course, the other side of the coin is that you better have some really good defence for your arguments, otherwise your audience will skin you alive. However, as the audience starts reacting to what you're saying, I, at least, feel the pressure that causes me to perform even better. In a way, I often deliberately choose the most controversial topic to put enough pressure on myself to bring out the best in me.

It was an unorthodox way of dealing with the fear of public speaking, but after I succeeded in defending all of my claims and making some of the people who argued with me look somewhat silly in the process, I found myself looking forward to the next presentation, especially when people started approaching me and saying that they're quite looking forward to finding out what other taboo I'm planning to break next time!
George Chernikov | Homepage | 11.01.06 - 5:13 pm | #

I give a speech per month at my local Toast Masters Organization. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE public speaking -- can't get enough of it. Last month I spoke to 600 people about my business and it was the best feeling in the world!
David | Homepage | 11.01.06 - 6:26 pm | #

George - that's an awesome idea to divert the pressure from yourself!

David - I've got to look into Toast Masters up here in Albany, I know they exist but that's about it.
Adam | Homepage | 11.03.06 - 3:35 pm | #