public speaking

[magicmystery]

Other than Toastmasters, I couldn't find any public-speaking forum. I mean, Toastmasters is great but it's more a place to 'practice'. I am looking to actually learn some presentation skills, and public speaking skills. At work, I can get myself opportunities to speak/present on technical computer topics quite often.


I think Dale Carnegie is an option but they are expensive. Any other options?

 

[magicmystery]

Go to Starbucks on Robson, walk up to the hottest girl there and start talking to her. You do that and master it.....presentations will be a breeze.

lol. Don't look at this thread in context of 'asking out a girl' thread.

 

[87112]

No one takes taking a painkiller before a anxiety moment helps?

 

[magicmystery]

I'm not....it's about confidence my man. It's the key.

Yep. Then it's not much different from Toastmasters (practicing my skills/confidence building on my own). I am looking for somewhat guided/coached path. Where they teach you nuances of public speaking. This includes writing speech, knowing what to say, writing/speaking based on audience's level (for example, if I were to give a technical presentation to a bunch of software engineers, my presentation on the same topic will be different from what I'd give to high school students) and so on.

This is not just to build-confidence, this is so that I can actually utilize opportunities I get to speak to large groups (50-100 people).

No one takes taking a painkiller before a anxiety moment helps?

Sorry, I didn't get this. Can you rephrase?

 

[bcneil]

There is probably something at BCIT that might deal in something like that.
I know I took a course there in business writing.

But as far as actually giving presentations, you learn way more by doing.
Its a skill you learn overtime, by doing.

I don't understand why you would want to do this though? Doing presentations is way more scary than asking out a girl.

 

[magicmystery]

Don't think the 2 are that far removed from each other.

I don't. In fact, this whole mess triggered all this search. I have wanted to do this for a while. But this is the proverbial straw that broke this proverbial camel's back.

 

[FortunateOne]

You can probably find a night school course of some sort in your area.

http://www.langara.bc.ca/cs/programs/LEPP#LEPP1027

Public Speaking
This course analyzes the components of public speaking in manageable segments. There will be opportunity to practice these components with the goal of enabling you to feel comfortable with the process, your progress and the outcome. Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to confidently stand and deliver a public speech to an audience.
$125
(50357) 6 eve - Th Jan 29, 2009 - 1900-2130

 

[magicmystery]

I think your one of those people that needs to be told what to do, rather than just doing it.

After 13 page long thread, I don't blame you for thinking that. Regardless of the person I am (need to be told types, or self-doer), the idea is to work on weaknesses identified so I don't have them a year from now.

But as far as actually giving presentations, you learn way more by doing.
Its a skill you learn overtime, by doing.
I don't understand why you would want to do this though? Doing presentations is way more scary than asking out a girl.

True. I do intend to practice by doing it as much as I can. I just thought professional coaching will expedite the process. I do plan on joining toastmasters, and speaking at work as many times as I can.

It doesn't matter if it's more scary than asking out a girl. I have wanted to speak-well for a long time, and I've got to start some time. I can't just 'want' and not do anything to materialize (or manifest) that 'want'.

You can probably find a night school course of some sort in your area.
http://www.langara.bc.ca/cs/programs/LEPP#LEPP1027

Thanks. I will look into this. Looks pretty great.

 

[trackstar]

I speak all the time in front of crowds. Doesn't matter if it's 1 or 100....same principle.

On a street corner handing out fliers

 

[HB40]

No one takes taking a painkiller before a anxiety moment helps?

Sorry, I didn't get this. Can you rephrase?

LMFAO That shit cracks me up.

I also think the best way to learn is by doing it. A night class? With a bunch of other socially crippled people?
Ohhh, it will be sooo uplifting as you all "learn" how to be mediocre.

I wouldn't waste my time with any of that, if the goal is to be out there talking and socializing.....
you should just get out there and start talking.

 

[magicmystery]

LMFAO That shit cracks me up.

I also think the best way to learn is by doing it. A night class? With a bunch of other socially crippled people?
Ohhh, it will be sooo uplifting as you all "learn" how to be mediocre.

I wouldn't waste my time with any of that, if the goal is to be out there talking and socializing.....
you should just get out there and start talking.

I stated the goal already - to be able to speak well. Not just 'socialize'. I have heard of top executives taking public speaking classes.

I don't see how it is stupid to take a class to address one of your weakness? In my mind, it's more stupid to not do anything about your weakness. Sure, you learn by doing - what makes you think in a night class, they won't let you 'do' (practice)? I think the way these classes work is they coach you some (show you videos, tell you some points/theory, guidelines etc.) and then ask you to present on a topic. Then they critique you and so you improve your next presentation (and get critiqued again for further improvements and so on).

Of course, once the course ends, you need to keep practicing if you want to get better.

 

[HB40]

I stated the goal already - to be able to speak well. Not just 'socialize'. I have heard of top executives taking public speaking classes.

You're right, I didn't read the thread very well.
Is there any way your company can expense the course, I've heard good things about Dale Carnegie. I knew a guy who took the course, he didn't need help with confidence, he was a royal prick. It taught him how to adapt and relate to different types of people, I think there are four types. I've taken some company funded courses too, mostly on sales stuff and dealing with people. I learned some things I guess, didn't help with the ladies though.


No one takes taking a painkiller before a anxiety moment helps?

 

[magicmystery]

You're right, I didn't read the thread very well.
Is there any way your company can expense the course, I've heard good things about Dale Carnegie.

Since I have a technical job, public speaking is not part of my profile. I can (and I do) get company to expense tickets for technical/research conferences, training etc. as long as it relates to my job-profile. I am going to try and make a case for this as well (I can talk about how after the course, I'd be able to train other groups of people in a particular technology/tool and so on) but in this economic situation I doubt it's going to succeed. There is a freeze on all non-critical expenses. But it's still worth a try.

So, so far, I've Dale Carnegie and Langara College (thanks FortunateOne).

 

[Jerika]

grasshopper...

Repetition, repetition, repetition.

I became an offensive ox at public speaking. When one releases the old notions in one's mind, it cannot be done, you conquer by building on: it is something which can be learned and excelled at.



...yes, I'm aware I ended the sentence improperly with at

 

[blazejowski]

Sorry, I didn't get this. Can you rephrase?

Methinks he took a few before typing this post...