Public Speak Work Book

7/27/2019 Public Speak Work Book

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Public Speaking Workbook

By Charles di Cagno

Table of Contents

Public Speaking Workbook ...........................................................................................................1

Table of Contents ..........................................................................................................................1

Prelude To Getting Started ........................................................................................................................3Contract With Myself ............................................................................................................................ 4

Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................5

Obstacles to Success ..................................................................................................................................7Most Common Obstacles .............................................................................................................. 7

Conclusion ...............................................................................................................................................1110 Tips for Public Speaking ....................................................................................................................12Most Frequently Asked Questions ..........................................................................................................13

Six Points of Contextual Therapy ............................................................................................................14

BEGINNING LEVEL .............................................................................................................................15

Exercise One: Getting Started ............................................................................................................15Exercise Two: Speaking while Standing ..........................................................................................16

Exercise Three: Gestures and Movement ............................................................................................17

................................................................................................................................................................ 17Exercise Four: Demonstration ............................................................................................................18

Exercise Five: Narrative with Gestures and Movement ......................................................................19

Exercise Six: Questions and Answers on Familiar Topic ...................................................................20Exercise Seven: Speak without Preparation Familiar Topic ............................................................21

Exercise Eight: Speak without Preparation Current Events ............................................................22

Exercise Nine: The Prepared Speech .................................................................................................. 23

Exercise Ten: Prepared Speech ..........................................................................................................26INTERMEDIATE LEVEL ...................................................................................................................... 28

Exercise One: Prepared Speech (Effective Use of Movement and Gestures) .....................................28

Exercise Two: Prepared Speech Projection and Vocal Variety ....................................................... 29Exercise Three: Questions and Answers on Topic of Expertise ......................................................... 30

Exercise Four: Rapid Fire Questioning ...............................................................................................31

Exercise Five: Prepared Speech Energy and Enthusiasm ................................................................ 32

Exercise Six: Prepared Speech - Persuasion ...................................................................................... 33Exercise Seven: Reading Aloud .........................................................................................................34

Exercise Eight: Prepared Speech: Technical .......................................................................................35Exercise Nine: Prepared Speech: Followed by Questions from Audience ......................................... 36

Exercise Ten: Prepared Speech in Question and Answer Format .......................................................37

ADVANCED LEVEL .............................................................................................................................39

Exercise One: Conversation ...............................................................................................................39Exercise Two: Respond to Questions on an Array of Topics ............................................................ 40


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Exercise Three: Defend Your Responses ...........................................................................................41Exercise Four: The Debate ..................................................................................................................42

Exercise Five: Defend Your Responses Under Pressure .....................................................................43

Exercise Six: Read for Meaning with Eye Contact .............................................................................44Exercise Seven: Reading Aloud and Summarizing What You Read .................................................45

Exercise Eight: Lead Panel Discussion ..............................................................................................46

Exercise Nine: Prepared Speech with Visual Aids ............................................................................. 47Exercise Ten: Prepared Speech (Putting it all Together) .................................................................. 48

MASTER LEVEL ...................................................................................................................................49

Exercise One: Rant .............................................................................................................................49Exercise Three: Improvisation ............................................................................................................ 50

Exercise Four: Explore Personal Conflict Present Case to Group ...................................................51

Exercise Five: Speak without Preparation on a Social Issue ...............................................................52

Exercise Six: Lead Seminar .................................................................................................................53Exercise Seven: Risk Being Less than Perfect ....................................................................................54

Exercise Eight: Confront Inhibition ....................................................................................................55

Exercise Nine: Prepared Speech with Reading ...................................................................................57Exercise Ten: Prepared (Mini) Speeches ........................................................................................... 58

SPECIALTY EXERCISES .....................................................................................................................59Exercise One: Employment Interview ................................................................................................. 59Exercise Two: Jury Duty .....................................................................................................................61

Exercise Three: Table Topics (Impromptu Speaking) ........................................................................ 63

Techniques ............................................................................................................................... 63

Exercise Four: Social Interaction ........................................................................................................65


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Prelude To Getting Started

Short of divine intervention, the only sure way to master public speaking, social or related performance

anxiety is to pursue clearly defined goals tenaciously (in manageable steps), in the framework of aneffective system. There is no magic elixir. An intelligent approach, hard work, courage, patience and,

above all, perseverance, are the variables required for success.

Before embarking on your journey of self-improvement, take a moment to reflect on where you are,where you want to go, and what is required to get there. Fill out the questionnaire below, date it and

keep it for future reference. You will refer to it often along the way.

Where am I now?

What is your motivation for taking the course? List three social scenarios that are manageable for youat present. Below that, list three scenarios that are extremely difficult, or impossible. For instance,

having dinner with a friend might cause you little anxiety, whereas, lunch with the boss might be too

much to handle. Similarly, making a brief remark in a meeting may be doable, whereas, giving aformal presentation in the same setting is unthinkable at this point. Take a moment to reflect. Be veryspecific and list the hierarchy of situation from least anxiety producing to the most.

Manageable Situations

1. _________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________

Unmanageable Situations

1. _________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________

What is my long-term goal?

Your goal may be to run for President of the United States, or to simply feel more comfortable inmeetings at work.

Settle on the goal, write it down in the space allotted and be specific.


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What are my short-term goals?

You must learn to walk before you can run. Short-term goals should be realistically attainable toinsure success. For example, if your long-term goal is to make presentations at staff meetings at work,

your short-term goals might include contributing brief comments in the support group, and progressing

to presenting a short talk on a topic of interest. Select one or two specific short-term goals and writethem in the space allotted.

1. ______________________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________________

Achieving your goals requires unwavering determination, and a willingness to stick to the program

through thick and thin. Take a moment to make a promise to yourself that you will do whatever ittakes to overcome your problem.

Contract With Myself

I resolve to face my fear in manageable steps by attending regularly and working diligently. I further

resolve not to give up my quest until I have, at least, attained my short-term goals. At that point I willreassess my progress.

Signature _____________________________ Date _________________________

You may feel silly affixing your signature to a non-binding contact to yourself; but, trite as it mayappear, it is possibly the most significant resolution you can make to insure your success. Intelligence,

talent and energy serve you well, but simply making up your mind to beat the problem and not giving

up until you do, is, by far, the most important variable.


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Introduction

This book is a tool to help you overcome the fear of social interaction, speaking and/or performing in

public. It is recommended you follow the order of the exercises and proceed in manageable steps atyour own pace.

The exercises are designed to expose you gradually to all the social and work related encounters you

are likely to face. The tasks will become less intimidating and your comfort zone and confidence willincrease with practice.

It is extremely important to practice diligently and chart your progress. Improvement is the greatestmotivator, but is often masked. Therefore, it is imperative you keep a record to quantify your progress.

Space is allotted in the workbook to record your thoughts before and after each practice session. Fear

is caused by your perception of a situation; but, with each success, you will gain confidence and yourperception changes.

The exercises should be approached as practice not performance! They are learning tools, and arenot designed to test your abilities. You have not failed if you need to repeat an exercise. It simplymeans you need more exposure to that particular task.

Expect to experience setbacks and detours on the road to recovery. However, with persistence, youwill move steadily toward your goal. The optimum anxiety level for practice is no higher than 5, on a

scale of 1 to 10 (0 = no anxiety; 10 = outright panic). If you are experiencing higher levels, the

exercise may not be manageable at present, and a more workable one should be substituted.

You should allow yourself to feel anxiety while practicing, learn to function with it and appreciate

your accomplishment. The goal is learning to FUNCTION WITH ANXIETY, not eliminating it.

Fortunately, a natural byproduct of this process is the gradual reduction of anxiety.

Often, those with social or public speaking phobia experience repeated trauma by performing in

situations they are not equipped to handle. Entering unmanageable situations is counterproductive andundermines confidence. Entering a situation convinced you will fail, with little past success to refute

that theory, leads to catastrophic thinking. This fuels anxiety, and failure becomes a self-fulfilling

prophecy.

In order to break the cycle, thinking must be changed from believing you cant, to entertaining the

possibility you can. This is done with practice and by a series of small successes. Eventually, withenough work, you start believing your can. That belief is called confidence.

However, thinking and perception change gradually and a systematic and sustained effort is required to

make inroads. Each triumph is hard won, made in small manageable increments and a direct result ofyour courage and commitment. If you are willing to face the fear, exert the effort, and most

importantly, stick with the program, you will be successful.


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Remember, each step forward leaves the problem that much further behind.Do not be surprised or discouraged if you are very anxious about your first assignment. Facing fear is

never easy, especially in a new and public environment. However, keep in mind that group members

share the same feelings, will be supportive, and exercises will be manageable at all times.

You will probably experience the most intense anxiety anticipating, and in the first few moments of the

exercise. Allow yourself to feel the discomfort. Resisting only intensifies it. Once you are underway and your attention shifts from catastrophic thoughts to the task at hand, anxiety will recede.

Experiencing this in a situation you may never have dared approach is a positive advance and very

powerful motivator. It begins the process of altering feelings of helplessness to ones of hope.


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Obstacles to Success

Resolving to finally confront your fear is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. If

you are successful, it will change your life. Rest control of the difficult areas of your life and itbecomes easier to gain mastery over less taxing ones. This course offers the insight, guidance and

tools to aid you; but, ultimately, progress depends on your attitude and commitment.

The fact that you sought help and paid hard earned money to enroll in the course means you are fed upwith having fear limit your life and are ready to take action. The outrage and frustration you may be

feeling at the injustice of your plight is not pleasant, but is a powerful motivator when harnessed

properly. Use it to your advantage. You will need all the motivation it provides because you are aboutto declare war on your fear!

Be forewarned. You are about to face one of the craftiest and most ruthless adversaries known to man.Unless you are prepared to be equally fierce and cunning, you will fall short of the mark.

Develop a warrior like mentality in pursuing your fear by rooting it out and vanquishing it at everyturn. Make it personal, and delight in each triumph. Vow to meet the challenge with gusto every timeit rears its head, and dont give up until youve won.

Look at the challenge as an adventure with a priceless treasure as your reward. Use your anger andfrustration to drive you past any obstacle encountered along the way. But, be smart, systematic and

diligent.

This therapy is designed to expose you gradually to your fear in manageable steps. The term

manageable should not be interpreted to mean easy, or devoid of anxiety. The road to success is

strewn with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Knowing what to expect will help you muster the

character to forge ahead when you feel discouraged.

Most Common Obstacles

1. Unrealistic Expectations

If you do not know where you are going, it is virtually impossible to get there. You must havesomething concrete to strive for and your goals must be tangible and attainable. By setting and

attaining short-term goals, you stoke the motivational fire that keeps you striving toward the longer-

term goals. The workbook will aid you in systematic goal attainment, and by quantifying yourachievement you have measurable evidence of your progress.

This course is not a panacea for anxiety. If that is your expectation, you are setting an unrealistic and

unattainable goal, which will only frustrate your efforts. The aim of the course is to teach you how tofunction with anxiety. As you gain confidence in your ability to function, even while anxious, fear

actually begins to subside


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2. Lack of Commitment

A certain degree of commitment is required in order to be successful at anything, yet the rate ofattrition is always high in endeavors of self-improvement. The breakdown of resolve follows an all too

familiar pattern.

You reach a breaking point and finally see long needed help.

You are flooded with hope and enthusiasm when you find there is a name for what ails you anda way to get over it.

You sprint out of the gate and tackle your first assignments with gusto.

You make progress, but are unable to appreciate the gains, and focus on all the things you are

still not capable of doing.

Enthusiasm wanes when you realize it is not a miracle cure and each step forward requires

effort and resolve.

You start finding excuses to miss class, progress stalls and motivation dwindles even further.

At this point, you either get into the habit of not attending, or ingrain the habit of attending the sessions

by pushing yourself through the lull and rekindling desire. Those who keep at it, continue to makeprogress and the ones who dont - - dont. This is true of exercise. It is true of dieting. It is true of

learning. And is especially true in overcoming fear. THE ONLY WAY TO OVRCOME FEAR IS TO

FACE IT DOWN RELENTLESSLY. The effort must be organized, manageable and consistent overtime.

3. Impatience

If your first question is how long will it take? you are off on the wrong track. How long does it

take to get in shape physically? One month? Six months? A year? Okay, so now that you are in

shape, do you stop exercising? No, you keep exercising to stay in shape. Battling fear in no different.Does this mean you will be attending the sessions until you are 90 years old? Of course not; but you

should be constantly increasing your comfort zone by facing new challenges.

The course is not an end in itself. It teaches you how to function with fear and break down any task or

situation into manageable steps. This gives you a solid foundation to carry over into other arenas.

Paradoxically, the more patient you are, the more rapid your progress. The less patient, the greater the

likelihood frustration will throttle motivation and doom the endeavor.

4. Progress & Setbacks

Interestingly, progress can be as debilitating as a setback if not monitored correctly. Progress is very

difficult to define or quantify. What feels like a major accomplishment in the initial stages, may be

taken for granted further along in the therapy; and focusing on things you cannot do is always morecompelling than appreciating your triumphs.


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It is important to become a friend to yourself. If a friend were bravely combating fear, you would

support and encourage them. Yet it is difficult to extend the same courtesy to yourself. The ability to

go easy on yourself and appreciate your accomplishments is the most elusive element of the therapy.Measure success by the spirit with which you are willing to face the fear, not by how well you

perform.

Yet, not matter how courageous the effort, you will inevitably face a setback. You may suddenly be

stricken with terror doing the same exercise you sailed through the week before. A natural response is

to feel despondent and brand the therapy, or yourself, a failure. The more enlightened choice is to getback up, shake it off and start over again. This is not an easy thing to do; however, with each

subsequent success, you realize the setback was disheartening but not catastrophic and being to

perceive it as a speed bump rather than a road block on your way to recovery.

There is usually a reason for an attack of nerves. Perhaps you did not prepare sufficiently, or entered

the situation in stress overload. Uncovering the reason will help you avoid the same set of

circumstances in the future.

Be realistic in your expectations. This is a system designed to help you function with fear noteliminate it. With practice, you develop confidence that you can function with high levels of anxiety.In time, this conviction lessens overall anxiety.

5. Boredom

Believe it or not, it is possible to bet bored combating fear. Some of the exercises are repetitive in

nature, and you will be an observer a good portion of the time. It is important to learn from the efforts

of others and constantly take on more challenging, yet manageable exercises.

You learn more effectively, and are more likely to attend regularly, if you are having fun. Therefore,

we try to keep the atmosphere light as well as interesting. The emphasis is on participation rather thanendless discussion of the problem. I you approach it as an opportunity to interact and communicate

with others in a supportive environment, the experience can be enjoyable as well as therapeutic. If you

view it strictly as therapy and are impatient for results, this attitude will adversely affect your progress.

However, boredom may also signal the time for you to begin weaning yourself from the group to beginfacing new challenges.

6. Finances

Is the program worth the financial investment? That, of course, depends on the return, which is

entirely dependent on your efforts. However, as opposed to traditional talk therapy, this program

offers quantifiable results at a fraction of the cost.

7. Time Management

You cannot do everything. If you add an activity to your busy life, you may have to sacrifice another.

If your favorite television program airs the same time the group is scheduled, you will have to decide if


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the pleasure and relaxation garnered from the show outweigh the benefits of the training. If so, it isbetter not to make the commitment, because a half hearted effort will yield far less than half the results.

Note that, although the therapy decreases anxiety in the long run, initially your stress level will rise.Facing fear is never easy. You may feel uncomfortable doing the exercise and suffer anticipatory

anxiety often days before the sessions. If you are already overloaded with stress, you may need to

eliminate a stressor from your life before making the commitment.

This ware is won in a series of small battles, not by onslaught. Just getting yourself to the group will

be a battle each and every time. Given a choice of facing anxiety or fleeing from it, the human animalwill naturally choose the latter. An anxiety free evening with the pleasures of hearth and home is an

irresistible lure. Thee same hesitation and temptation will be there every single week. And every week

you will have to muster the character to resist. However, if you are successful at fighting this weekly

battle, you will be successful in the therapy. Getting yourself to the group is the most difficult andmost important variable in the equation. Thats right! Just SHOWING UP is the most important

variable. It is more important tan how much you learn or how well you do the exercises. All of those

things will fall into place eventually if you just get yourself there, week in and week out. There isnothing difficult about the program. Anyone can do it. Getting to the sessions on a consistent basis is

the challenge.

8. Performance vs. Practice

When you follow someone who has done a particularly interesting or entertaining exercise, the

inclination is to feel pressure to elevate your performance. This is the time to remind yourself you arenot competing in a talent contest. Perceiving your efforts as performance rather than practice

undermines the process. It is natural to want to do well and gain the respect of your peers. However,

you should focus on the doing of the exercise rather than the outcome.

Some of the exercises are not inherently entertaining from an audiences1 standpoint. You must be

willing to be less than scintillating in order to get the most from what you are learning. Ironically,focusing on the task rather than the outcome is more effective.

9. They Dont Like Me

It is very difficult to be comfortable in an environment where you feel unappreciated, and tough to

continue if those feelings persist. Below are suggestions to avoid facing that unpleasantness:

1. Man an effort to acknowledge others before and after the session. Just saying hi and bye

sends a totally different message than darting in and out of class.

2. As a member of a support group, you should willingly offer support, as well as receiving it.

3. Bring a degree of enthusiasm to your work. Your attitude is one of the most importantvariables and has a potent affect on those around you.

1 The term audience is used very loosely in this context. An audience usually implies a group waiting to be entertained.

Fellow members are there to support, not judge you.


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4. Dont be selfish. You create resentment if the group becomes about you. Respect the timerestraints, and keep comments brief and pertinent.

10. Future Thinking

The most uncomfortable aspect of social phobia is the anticipatory anxiety of the dreaded event. If you

were able to limit anxiety to the time in which you actually speak, rather than obsessing about it forweeks in advance, the problem would be greatly minimized. Anticipatory anxiety is the result of

future thinking (projecting into the future). The word anticipate implies a future expectation. An

assessment is made of how you will perform in an upcoming situation based on past experience. Ifthose experiences are negative you will anticipate a negative future outcome, resulting in heightened

anticipatory anxiety. The less manageable you feel the task to be, the more anxiety you will

experience anticipating it.

Anticipatory anxiety is the bulwark of phobic avoidance. The natural tendency is to look ahead;

however, focusing on the here and now is most effective in reducing anxiety.

The best way to deal with future thinking is to prepare well, and then get involved in other activities

that shift attention from obsessing about the upcoming event. Each small success increasedconfidence, reduces dread and the inclination to ruminate over the outcome.

Conclusion

Any one of the obstacles outlined above can easily derail the most committed person. Taken together,

they are formidable. Whenever you think you have one under control, another will surface tochallenge your resolve. It is a constant battle, but develop the habit of consistently facing your fear in

manageable steps, and the struggle becomes less taxing.

Identifying the obstacles beforehand aids your plan of attack and steels you against them. Setbacksand disappointment are diminished with the awareness that they are part of the process of moving

forward.

Read the preface over from time to time, for it is easy to lose sight of exactly what is required in order

to achieve your goals. You have chosen a difficult path requiring a courageous and sustained effort,

but the rewards far outweigh the sacrifice.

Remember, you will be successful if you stick to the program.

I wish you the very best in your endeavor.

Charles di Cagno


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10 Tips for Public Speaking

1. Be prepared Preparation may not eliminate anxiety, but without it, you risk having anxiety

spiral out of control. Familiarize yourself with the space, the time parameters (your place in theprogram, amount of time allotted, etc.), and practice with notes, props and visual aids to avoid

surprises.

2. Get sufficient rest It is much easier to concentrate when you are well rested. The more ableyou are to focus on your message, the less anxiety you will experience.

3. Eat something It is important to get something into your stomach before a stressful event inorder to keep blood sugar at an optimum level. The brain needs glucose to function properly and

deficiencies lower stress tolerance. Select foods high in protein, since they are slowest to convert to

glucose and remain in the blood stream longer than refined sugars or carbohydrates.

4. Allow yourself to be anxious Fighting anxiety does not reduce it. Rather, expect and allow

anxiety to surface, get involved with your message and anxiety will lessen.

5. Good appearance increases confidence Communication is a visual as well as verbal

medium, so it is important to look presentable. Sloppy appearance heightens anxiety.

6. Be on time Rushing creates undue stress and may cause anxiety to spiral to panic levels.

Avoid this by planning and leaving for your destination a few minutes earlier.

7. Focus on something in the present Focus on something in the present while waiting for

your turn to speak. Listen to what is being said. Observe the colors in the room. Notice what people

are wearing, etc. Do not go over your presentation in your heard. If you are not prepared, this will not

help; and if you are, it only increases anxiety.

8. Breathe, stretch, vocalize Do what the situation allows. Breathing and stretching have a

relaxing effect, and vocalizing warms up the voice.

9. Limit stress Do not schedule other stressful activities the same day as your presentation

unless it is unavoidable. Postpone the fight with your spouse or the meeting with the IRS for anothertime to avoid stress overload.

10. Do only what is manageable Forgo any situation that causes you extreme anxiety, unless itis absolutely mandatory. Work on your fear in manageable steps. Forcing yourself into situations that

are too challenging may undermine confidence and retard progress. What is not manageable today willbecome manageable with practice.

These are common sense suggestions for optimizing performance. Each item has a marked affect on

reducing overall anxiety. Taken together, they can mean the difference between success, or, a

confidence draining experience.


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Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does it take to get better?

A. Obviously, that varies with the individual. However, there is a direct correlation betweenmotivation and commitment, and the speed with which you see results. With that said, the more

patient and diligent you are, the more fruit your efforts will bear. In this race, the tortoise almostalways beats the hare.

Q. Does it work?

A. Again, that depends on you. In our experience, the people who get better are the ones

determined to do so. If you work diligently, in manageable steps, and show up even when you wouldrather not, you will make dramatic progress. You either get into the habit of attending regularly, or

reinforce avoidance. Sounds a lot like exercise doesnt it? Each session will challenge you to do things

you were not able to do the session before.

Q. Will it get rid of my anxiety?

A. The goal is learning to function with anxiety and appreciating the accomplishment.Fortunately, with practice, you gain confidence that you can function regardless of fear, and anxiety

does actually recede.

Q. If I get comfortable in the group, which is a safe environment, how will that help me in the real

world?

A. This program is designed to teach you how to expand your zone of comfort. The more youknow about what drives your fear, and the more skill you acquire in public speaking and social

interaction, the more likely you are to face new challenges in your daily life. When you are ready, you

will be encouraged to move on to other arenas such as Toastmasters2, acting class, participation incommunity groups, etc., which may be too intimidating at present.

2 Toastmasters International is an organization that provides a forum in which to practice public speaking.


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Six Points of Contextual Therapy(For Controlling Fear and Eventually Overcoming Your Phobia)

1. EXPECT, ALLOW AND ACCEPT THAT FEAR WILL ARISE.

This reaction is automatic now because of past experiences.

2. WHEN FEAR ARISES, WAIT AND LET IT BE.

Do not try to stop fear from coming or try to push it away.

3. FOCUS ON AND DO MANAGEABLE TASKS IN THE PRESENT.

These are tools that can help you control fear.

4. LABEL YOUR FEAR LEVEL FROM 0 TO 10.

Study what makes your fear go up and down. Your emotional reaction is affected naturally by

thoughts and by other changes in the situation.

5. FUNCTION WITH A LEVEL OF FEAR AND APPRECIATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENT.

You are now controlling the process that generates fear. This is the road to recovery.

6. EXPECT, ALLOW AND ACCEPT THAT FEAR WILL REAPPEAR.

Getting well is a learning process that takes time, marked by periods of advances and occasionalsetbacks.

The most important factors in getting better are making a commitment and sticking to it.


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BEGINNING LEVEL

Exercise One: Getting Started

OBJECTIVE: Use your descriptive powers with and without visual cues.

EXERCISE: While seated, describe your surroundings. As you begin to feel more comfortable,describe something familiar, such as your car, pet, or family member.

NOTE: Take your time. Simply look at what is in front of you and identify it. Make no attemptto be humorous or engaging. If you get stuck identifying an object, skip it and go on to the next. This

is not a test to see if you can name every object in the room, but a means to break the ice and allow you

to begin to feel comfortable hearing your own voice in public.

When describing something from memory (i.e., your car), take time to visualize it first. Once you havethe image clearly in mind, simply describe what you see.

Alert the instructor if your anxiety gets too high at any point during the exercise.

Comments: Anxiety Levels Anticipating Exercise

Comments: Feelings After Completing Exercise


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Exercise Two: Speaking while Standing

OBJECTIVE: To get comfortable speaking while standing in front of a group.

EXERCISE: The entire group will stand up, and one by one, each person will be asked to sit whileyou remain standing, responding to simple questions. Eventually, as your anxiety subsides, you will

be the only one left standing. You will continue responding and then discuss any anxiety or physicaldiscomfort you experienced.

NOTE: The questions will be elementary, and should not present a problem. Keep your

comments brief, get to the point, close and move on to the next question. If you are thrown by aquestion, do not linger, admit it and move on to the next one. Your verbal skills are not being tested

here. You are merely getting used to speaking while standing up.

Do not be discouraged if this exercise presents problems. You may feel exposed, find your body

tensing and be unsure of what to do with your hands. Stay with it. All these issues will be resolved infuture exercises. As perception changes, you will begin to view standing as a position of power, ratherthan one of vulnerability.




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Exercise Three: Gestures and Movement

OBJECTIVE: To get comfortable employing gestures and movement to enhance your descriptivepower.

EXERCISE: Describe something familiar, (i.e., your car, your home, a favorite painting) usinggestures to heighten communication.

Upon completing the description, move to the opposite side of the room and describe another familiar

item.

Then, finally, move to the center of the room and describe a third familiar object, incorporating

gestures.

NOTE: Briefly describe something easily visualized, using gestures to underscore your comments.

Keep narrative to a minimum. In this exercise, it is not important what you say, but that you get

physically involved with the object you are describing. Keep the hands occupied appropriately andyou will never be uncertain about where to place them. When not in use, keep hands comfortably at

your sides and never clasp them in front or back, or hold on to anything.

By moving to different areas of the room you gain freedom and economy of movement. You should

never move unless you have a destination or reason to do so. Motion for the sake of motion (i.e.,

pacing, shuffling of feet, swaying, etc.) wastes energy and dilutes your message.




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Exercise Four: Demonstration

OBJECTIVE: Continue to increase comfort level employing gestures and movement.

EXERCISE: Demonstrate an activity you are very familiar with. If you are a tennis player, show theclass the proper form for the forehand and backhand. If you make gourmet coffee in the morning, take

us through your daily routine of brewing it. And if you know how to disarm an attacker, demonstrate

the movements involved.




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Exercise Five: Narrative with Gestures and Movement

OBJECTIVE: Learn to weave gestures and movement seamlessly into a narrative.

EXERCISE: Relate an incident in your life which you either experienced or witnessed, using

gestures and movement to heighten your narrative. Describe how you swerved your car to avoidoncoming traffic when you entered a one way street going the wrong direction, or how you stepped all

over your partners feet at the school prom.

If you have difficulty thinking of a personal experience, describe something you witnessed, like thebullfight in Spain, or the winning basket in the overtime basketball championship.

NOTE: It is recommended you decide on your topic before arriving at the session to reduceanticipatory anxiety, but do no practice or rehearse your talk. The quality and organization of the

speech is not important at this juncture. You are merely learning to get comfortable using your body

while being observed by others. The more you are able to get involved with what you are doing, and

the less pressure you put on yourself to perform and be perfect, the more you will get out of thisexercise.




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Exercise Six: Questions and Answers on Familiar Topic

OBJECTIVE: To respond to question on a familiar topic of your choice.

EXERCISE: Select a non-technical topic you are interested in, conversant with, and fill you with

enthusiasm.

NOTE: Decrease the degree of difficulty by selecting a subject you are comfortable with. At

this stage, stick to something simple. Field questions on movies if you are an aficionado. Respond

to inquiries on sports, if that is your strong suit. Steer clear of complex issues, subject matter youknow well, but are not excited about; and the reverse, a thrilling topic you know little about.

The task is easiest when you settle on areas more graphic and visual in nature. Discussing highlightreel football plays is less taxing than delving into steroid use and the legal ramifications in the sport.

You control the pace of questioning. Keep it moving with direct, concise responses.




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Exercise Seven: Speak without Preparation Familiar Topic

OBJECTIVE: To gain experience thinking on your feet.

EXERCISE: You will be assigned a familiar subject (work, family, hobbies, etc.) to address at the

session.

NOTE: There is no way to prepare for this exercise since you will not know the topic in

advance. Although you are not selecting the subject, it will be familiar and should not pose a problem.

If you felt comfortable during the Q&A exercise, think of this as an extension of it. The key is to trustyourself, take time to organize your thoughts, use graphic personal examples, and resist the impulse to

cover too much ground.




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Exercise Eight: Speak without Preparation Current Events

OBJECTIVE: To master the ability to think on your feet.

EXERCISE: You will be given a non-personal, current events type question to address for 3-4 minuteswithout preparation.

NOTE: You have already done variations of this exercise in prior sessions, by answering questionsspontaneously, and addressing a personal topic without preparation in exercise eight. You will now be

given a topic outside your personal frame of reference. Do not be alarmed. The exercise is not

designed to test your knowledge of world events, but to give you the opportunity to explore a broadertopic range, while learning to communicate your thoughts clearly and concisely. You are welcome to

request another issue if the one you are given is unfamiliar.

Open forcefully, develop one or two main points, fortified with galvanizing examples wheneverpossible and close on a memorable note. Be careful not to veer too far from the main theme, and avoid

rambling or repetition.

Expect to experience more anxiety during this exercise. While you are an expert in your personal

matters, it is likely you are less familiar with world events. Do the best you can. The goal is not to be

impressive, but to gain experience with the format.




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Exercise Nine: The Prepared Speech

The prepared speech is typically viewed as a formal exercise, with low margin for error given the

time to prepare. In fact, the prepared speech is no more difficult than the preceding exercises when

broken down into bite sized components and approached with a level head.

Just thinking about organizing a speech can cause a rush of anticipatory anxiety high enough to curtail

the process, and a systematic approach is required to circumvent avoidant behavior.

Break the preparation process down into the essential components:

Decide what to speak about

Outline the speech

Practice the speech

Deliver the speech

Selecting a Topic

Limit the field to your interests and you should have no problem deciding what to speak about. The

group setting is a place to practice, not a performance venue; therefore, you need not concern yourself

with the entertainment value of your talk. If you like cars, talk about cars. If you like shopping, talkabout shopping. The more interested you are in the topic, the easier it will be to deliver your speech,

and the less anxiety you will feel.

Writing the speech need not be an arduous process. In this exercise you will learn how to easilyorganize your theme and outline it for delivery.

Practicing the speech can be a draining experience when you feel uncertain about the material andguard against failure by memorizing every word. A more spontaneous approach is recommended,

since there is no pressure to be perfect in the supportive environment of the group.

Organize your thoughts clearly and there is no need for memorization. DO NOT FEEL PRESSURED

TO PRESENT A POLISHED PRODUCT. You are free to stop and discuss your feelings at any point

during the exercise. THIS IS PRACTICE, NOT PERFORMANCE.

OBJECTIVE: Learn how to select a topic, outline and present a speech.

EXERCISE: Select a topic, outline, review and present to the group.


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NOTE: Settle on a topic but do not prepare anything before hand. You will outline andpresent the speech in class. Dont panic. It is much easier than it sounds. In fact, the point of this

exercise is to show just how easy it is to design and present a basic prepared speech.

Select a topic that interests you. If you love basketball, talk about basketball. Incorporate a personal

experience, i.e., the first time you beat your dad in one-on-one, or watching Michael Jordan play in

person.

BASIC OUTLINE

1. OPENING

2. BODY

A. Point One

Example that Illustrates Point One.

B. Point Two

Example that Illustrates Point Two

3. CONCLUSION

This is the basic structure for most speeches. Then just fill in the blanks with concise memory tags.

Using the Michael Jordan example you might script the following:

1. OPENING - What sets Michael Jordan apart from all other basketball players.

2. BODY

A. Amazing physical gifts

Example: Describe how he jumped from the foul line, glided past the

opposing team, switched hands in mid-air and jammed the ball through the rim.

B. Poise

Example: Describe how he demanded the ball with seconds on the

clock, and scored the winning basket.

3. CONCLUSION - When a player can match his physical prowess withunshakable confidence, you have the makings of a champion.

The outline is your road map. Keep the points concise and to the point. The less your write, the more

spontaneous and engaging your delivery will be.


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Exercise Ten: Prepared Speech

OBJECTIVE: To learn to prepare and present a speech on your own.

EXERCISE: Prepare a speech at home on a topic you feel comfortable with, and present it to theclass.

NOTE: Many find this exercise to be a major step; so do not be alarmed if you experience

resistance. Common pitfalls are:

1. Selecting a topic, organizing and writing the speech will likely increase anticipatory

anxiety and may lead to procrastination or outright avoidance.

2. Feeling more is expected of you because there was time to prepare and practice.

Review Exercise Nine before proceeding. Select a topic of interest, keep it simple; and remember thisis just a practice and not a performance. Outline a couple of points with examples to support them,

but do not write it out. Spend no more than 5 minutes putting this together. Do not practice it. Just

look it over once or twice and trust you will be able to talk about a topic you are very familiar with.

You are learning a new skill, therefore, attempt only what is manageable.




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CONGRATULATIONS!

You have now completed the Beginning Level in the workbook, and should have a solid foundation for

moving onto the Intermediate Level. Continue to attend regularly and move forward in manageablesteps, and you will progress steadily.

You may find your anxiety increasing as the tasks become fore difficult. That is a natural part of theprocess. Keep in mind, you are learning to FUNCTION WITH FEAR, not attempting to abolish it.

Each time you do so, the fear will become less daunting.

It is also common to suffer setbacks at this stage of the process; and although it is very discouraging to

make progress, experience practice sessions of moderate to low anxiety, and then unexpectedly suffer

panic levels during the next session, this does not mean you are regressing. Inform the instructor when

this happens. You may simply be giving a bad day, or may need to ease back to a more comfortableexercise temporarily.

The best way to handle the inevitable setback is to identify it, reflect on what might have contributed toit, learn from the experience and move on. This is difficult to do since a setback usually dampens

motivation. But this is exactly where desire and character factor prominently into the equation. Pickyourself up, dust yourself off and get back to work on the problem, even though you may notparticularly feel like it. Keep fighting, never quit and you will be rewarded. Perseverance is the key

to overcoming the problem.


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INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Exercise One: Prepared Speech (Effective Use of Movement and

Gestures)

OBJECTIVE: To learn to use movement and gestures effectively in a prepared speech.

EXERCISE: Select a topic and prepare and deliver a speech that requires you to move and gesture to

enhance the message.

NOTE: Not knowing what to do with your hands and body during a presentation is a preoccupation

you must shed in order to gain a greater level of confidence and control in front of an audience. Thebest way to do this is to begin by describing a graphic visual, or action oriented event.

Start with you feel shoulder width apart and your hands extended comfortably at your sides. When

you are not in motion, you should return to this relaxed position, rather than fidgeting, clutching thehands or pacing needlessly.

Movement and gestures is not the same thing. You can gesture standing in one spot, and you canmove without gesturing. Move only if you have a destination. For example: move from point A to

point B to illustrate the distance from your front gate to the front door, or jump for joy to show your

reaction to winning the lottery. Do not be discouraged if you feel tense and awkward at first. Bodycontrol gets easier with experience.

Get in motion. This will animate and energize you, while also reducing anxiety. Gesture withconviction and move away from your starting point at least twice during the exercise to illustrate apoint or address a certain segment of the audience.




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Exercise Two: Prepared Speech Projection and Vocal Variety

OBJECTIVE: Use volume, tone and pitch to maximize the effectiveness of your delivery.

EXERCISE: Prepare a speech on a topic of interest, concentrating on projecting and modulating your

voice for emphasis and contrast.

NOTE: The trembling voice is one of the most pervasive concerns of the anxious speaker, and can

easily be remedied by proper breathing and projection. You will feel and sound more assertive and

reduce anxiety when you pause, take time to breath deeply, and, on the exhale, make a conscious effortto speak louder.

Take your time. Use your voice for emphasis and dramatic effect. The dull speaker is barely audibleand characterized by a droning monotone. Always speak loudly enough to reach every person in the

room, and vary pitch, volume and tone to accent your message. Pacing and judicious use of pausesalso heightens the effect.

Do not be afraid to experiment. Recreate the sound of the wind or the roar of the lion. Imitate a

friends speech pattern. Shedding vocal inhibition renders you more confident and the speech more

interesting. Remember, you are not being judged in this setting.




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Exercise Three: Questions and Answers on Topic of Expertise

OBJECTIVE: To respond to question on a technical topic of expertise.

EXERCISE: Select a technical topic you know well.

NOTE: This exercise has a higher degree of difficulty than the previous Q&A exercises, and isdesigned to simulate a more formal or work related interchange.

You might select a challenging area of your work to discuss, or a particular field of interest. Open thefloor to questions on retirement accounts if you are an accountant, discuss microorganisms if you are a

biologist, or explore astronomy if you are an enthusiast.

You control the pace of questioning. Keep it moving with direct, concise responses.




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Exercise Four: Rapid Fire Questioning

OBJECTIVE: To sharpen impromptu skills by addressing a variety of topics.

EXERCISE: You will be given different topics to address in rapid succession. Attack each issue andcontinue speaking until the instructor signals you to move to the next.

NOTE: This exercise is designed to improve your ability to free associate and not nearly as harrowingas it sounds. The subjects will be familiar. You are not expected to respond eloquently and can stop at

any time if anxiety spirals upward.

Reacting, rather than thinking, is the best approach. Go with your initial inclinations and trust ideas

will unfold as you speak. Do not be overly concerned with content. Allow your mind to flow without

censor.

The volume of information you retain and the facility with which you are able to tap into it maysurprise you.




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Exercise Five: Prepared Speech Energy and Enthusiasm

OBJECTIVE: To bring your speech alive by infusing it with energy and enthusiasm.

EXERCISE: Deliver a speech on a subject of particular interest and inject it with passion.

NOTE: Enthusiasm is infectious and one of the most potent tools of communication. When your dog

greets you with wagging tail, you do not need words to understand how glad he is to see you. Infuse

your talk with the same enthusiasm and you cannot fail as a speaker.

Enthusiasm is not, however, simply a matter of volume and gestures. Heartfelt passion is evident in

your overall demeanor. Allow the passion to overtake you and dont worry about overdoing it. It is

far easier to reign in a speaker than to unlock the shackles of inhibition.




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Exercise Six: Prepared Speech - Persuasion

OBJECTIVE: To influence your audiences thinking or cause them to take action.

EXERCISE: Select a familiar topic you feel strongly about and prepare a speech designed to affect

your listeners viewpoint or behavior. Incorporate all the techniques you have learned to organize,present and heighten your message.

NOTE: This exercise is far easier than it sounds. When you recommend a movie, or argue for the

right to use the family car, you are using persuasion.

Be passionate about the benefits of regular exercise, the downside of watching too much television, or

your reasons for supporting a particular candidate. A logical, well-organized argument is important;but conviction moves people.

Do not burden yourself with lofty expectations or you will experience heightened anticipatory anxiety

and resistance to the preparation process. Your effort and willing ness to face the fear is what matters,not the caliber of your performance.

You may feel pressured to produce a more polished product because you have unlimited time toprepare and this may increase resistance to the task. If you find yourself procrastinating, remember to

keep it simple, jot down a few numbered or bulleted points, back them up with examples and stick to

what you know.




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Exercise Seven: Reading Aloud

OBJECTIVE: To master the ability to read in public.

EXERCISE: Select an article, poem, or excerpt from a short story to read to the group.

NOTE: Reading is a skill acquired with practice. The selection should interest you and contain

language you are comfortable with. Avoid reading material you have written, as this adds extra

pressure.

In order to communicate effectively, you must understand the text and incorporate the speaking skills

you have learned thus far. Mark the places where eye contact is appropriate. Practice looking up to

complete a thought and return easily to your text. This comes more naturally when you understand thematerial. You create a greater bond with your listeners the less you appear to be reading.




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Exercise Eight: Prepared Speech: Technical

OBJECTIVE: To learn to present technical information.

EXERCISE: Prepare a speech on a technical subject

NOTE: The definition of technicalis quantitative information from scholarly or scientific

material. This may sound intimidating, but for most, talking about their work will meet the criteria.

Examples:

1. An accountant explaining the difference between the 2003 and 2004 tax forms.

2. An insurance broker outlining coverage under a Homeowners policy.

3. A stockbroker explaining why price/earning ratios are important in stock analysis.

Consider the technical aspect of your hobbies if you do not have work related experiences to share.

Explain harmony and chord structure if you play a musical instrument, or describe a zone defense on

the basketball court if that is where your interest lies.

Select a topic from a newspaper or magazine, if you are having difficulty. Articles on stock market

trends, political demographics, or the latest treatment for AIDS are just some suggestions of subjectsworth exploring.

Once you have selected your topic, approach it as you would any other. Organize your speech with agraphic opening, a body supported by data, and a forceful conclusion.

Technical does not mean hard t understand. Your goal is to make the material as clear as possible, soit is imperative you understand it before attempting to enlighten your listeners. To accomplish this,

you might use visual aids such as graphs, charts, or handouts.

Do not try to cover too much ground. One of two major points supported by data should suffice.

Humanize your talk. Do not make the common mistake of treating the technical speech as a mere

recitation of facts. Judicious use of humor and personalization makes it easier on you and youraudience. A vivid personal account of how you got interested in the subject will certainly help draw in

your listeners.




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Exercise Nine: Prepared Speech: Followed by Questions from Audience

OBJECTIVE: To answer question on information you have just presented.

EXERCISE: Use the techniques you learned to present a speech, and then respond to questions on the

subject.

NOTE: This exercise may sound like foreign territory, but is a combination of two previous exercises,

the Prepared Speech, and the Question and Answer.

You must have a firm grasp of your material in order to succeed. Select a familiar topic that does not

require extensive research and approach it as two separate, manageable, tasks rather than one daunting

exercise.




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Exercise Ten: Prepared Speech in Question and Answer Format

OBJECTIVE: To give a prepared talk using an outline consisting of questions to which you willrespond.

EXERCISE: Select a topic you are comfortable with and outline it with a series of 3 or 4 questionspertaining to that topic. Introduce your talk with a strong opening and organize the questions so your

responses follow a theme, creating a sense of cohesion leading to a conclusion.

Outline:

Opening

Question #1

Question #2

Question #3

Conclusion

Filling in the blanks, an example of a persuasive speech touting the benefits of bicycling through

Europe might look like this:

Opening: Bicycling through Europe can be a wonder for the eyes, the pocketbook and

the waistline.

Question: What can you explore that you wouldnt be able to by train?

Question: What kind of shape do you have to be in to do it?

Question: You may save on transportation, but isnt that gear awfully

expensive?

Conclusion: Given that you can visit out of the way country inns, while exercising and

saving money, biking through Europe is an all around winner.

Now all you have to do is get up there, introduce your topic with a strong opening, then simply ask the

questions in your outline, and answer them from your own experience, just as you would in normalconversation. Wrap it up with a strong conclusion, and you have just delivered a perfectly organized

and cohesive speech with very little prep time.


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NOTE: This exercise may change your perception of the prepared speech forever. For most, the giveand take of question and answer sessions is more manageable than the open-ended formality of the

public address; therefore, it makes sense to take advantage of that format to render speech making less

daunting. Just as in a Q&A session, a question will be asked to which you will respond without havingrehearsed the response; only instead of an audience member asking the question, you will read it from

your outline and respond accordingly. You defeat the purpose of this exercise by writing out or

rehearsing responses, since that luxury is not available in the normal Q&A format. If you haveselected a topic you know well, it should not be difficult to trust yourself to answer intelligently

without having scripting answers.

If you are more comfortable with Q&A, and are able to get the same feel and flow from this exercise,

use it to your advantage in future talks by utilizing this format.




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ADVANCED LEVEL

Exercise One: Conversation

OBJECTIVE: To sharpen conversational skills by interacting with a cross section of people.

EXERCISE: Approach a group member, greet and engage them in conversation. The instructor willsignal when to proceed to the next person.

NOTE: Begin by discussing what you have in common (i.e., social anxiety), and progress to what youknow or want to know about the person you are speaking with. You probably know many of the

people in the group by now, have heard them speak and know a bit about their interests. Ask the

gentleman who mentioned his passion for the slopes if he has been skiing lately. Or talk about travel

with the lady who has just returned from vacation.

You are most effective when focused on what interests you. Sustain the conversation by asking afollow-up question or commenting on the reply.

Keep questions and comments succinct and resist the temptation to be charming. This is not an

exercise to gage your charisma, but to afford you the opportunity to speak with receptive people in asupportive environment. Making an effort to turn on the charm creates undo pressure and derails the

effort.

The fear of not knowing what to say worries people most about this exercise. Try not to let that

interfere with your effort, since there is no downside to going blank in the group setting. If it happens,

simply alert the instructor and he will work you through it.




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Exercise Two: Respond to Questions on an Array of Topics

OBJECTIVE: To learn to respond to questions on a variety of topics in a thoughtful, organized andconcise manner.

EXERCISE: While standing, respond to questions on any topic directed to you.

NOTE: Listen carefully to the questions and organize your responses before speaking. Anxiety can

spiral if you have difficulty narrowing response options. Settle on one or two points, state them and

close. You are less likely to get lost when you keep responses brief and to the point.Obviously you cannot know everything. When confronted with an issue you are not comfortable with,

try to respond, but if you cannot, admit it and move on. Try not to view this as a test of your

intelligence or knowledge of current events. It is merely an exercise designed to strengthen yourability to think on your feet.




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Exercise Three: Defend Your Responses

OBJECTIVE: Learn to develop poise when challenged.

EXERCISE: Respond to questions on any topic and defend your responses.

NOTE: This exercise is as much about listening as it is about responding. Listen carefully to the

questions, and challenges posed by the audience, and think before you speak. Do not try to win the

argument or top your challenger; instead, state your case clearly, employing reason, logic, facts and

diplomacy. Resist becoming hostile or defensive and you are less likely to get ruffled. Strive instead,for sincerity, clarity and brevity.

Master of this skill is essential in any leadership or managerial position.




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Exercise Four: The Debate

OBJECTIVE: Practice defending your position in a discussion.

EXERCISE: Select a controversial topic and debate the issue with a partner.

NOTE: This is an informal debate on a topic of your choice. Select a controversial, yet familiar non-

technical subject with which you are comfortable. The objective is not to win the debate, but to

sharpen listening, organizational, and presentation skills in a non-scripted, confrontational format.

Anchor your responses in logic and clarity, the same a when your replies were challenged by the

group. Be diplomatic and respectful of your opponents viewpoint, even as you disagree, avoiding

common pitfalls such as irritation, impatience and condescension. Restate your opponents position toclarify your understanding before launching your rebuttal. Readily acknowledge a valid argument and

dont be afraid to admit your lack of knowledge on a particular point.

You can reduce some of the anxiety triggered by conflict by aiming to learn something from yourpartner instead of vanquishing them. Place the ego aside and strive for a substantive dialogue and you

further the pressure inherent in this form of discussion.




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Exercise Five: Defend Your Responses Under Pressure

OBJECTIVE: To retain the ability to think, reason and respond when challenged aggressively.

EXERCISE: Open the floor to questions on any topic. The audience is encouraged to challenge your

responses aggressively.

NOTE: This exercise prepares you for the eventuality of having to face a non-receptive, and possibly

hostile audience. For example, a manager facing unruly striking workers must be able to maintain his

poise and retain the ability to communicate effectively under duress.

The best way to handle this exercise, and most confrontational situations, is to stay above the fray. See

Let the abuse to roll past you without allowing it to become personal. This situation requiresdiplomacy, not an iron hand. Responding with sarcasm or condescension will only fan the flames.

Respect your opponents views, no matter how alien they may be to your own. Be firm, but fair, stating

your case using logic, fact and reason.

Conflict can heighten public speaking anxiety, so signal the instructor if the experience becomes

unmanageable at any time and he can modify or terminate the exercise.




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Exercise Six: Read for Meaning with Eye Contact

OBJECTIVE: Add conviction to your reading by understanding the text and using eye contact toconnect with the audience.

EXERCISE: Select a short piece to read and concentrate on the meaning of the text, using emphasis,energy and eye contact to infuse the material with life. If, for instance, you are readingLittle RedRiding Hoodto a group of school children, alter your pitch and volume to emphasize just how big

and bad the wolf really is. Facial expressions (surprise, joy, sadness), movement and gestures also

augment communication and help diffuse anxiety.

Eye contact is an acquired skill. Raise your head and look at the audience periodically to maintain

contact and add a personal touch.

Mark the last three words of each paragraph with a highlighter. Place your finger next to the

highlighted phrase when you reach it to avoid losing your place, look up and direct the words to one

area of the room, then comfortably return to your place in the text. Pay particular attention to themessage you are conveying as you direct the comment to the audience.

NOTE: The procedure may feel awkward at first, but becomes more natural with practice. Direct yourwords to a different person or area of the room each time you look up and use eye contact sparingly. It

is not necessary to include everyone with each glance.

Before attempting the exercise in class, practice reading for meaning. Understanding what you read

lends a smoother, more natural flow to your words. Experiment with voice, phrasing and inflection to

dramatize your message.




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Exercise Seven: Reading Aloud and Summarizing What You Read

OBJECTIVE: To read text cold, and report on what you have read.

EXERCISE: You will be given an article to read aloud, incorporating all the skills you have learned to

date. Upon completing the reading you will give an overview on the content of the article.

NOTE: Obviously, you will have to pay attention to and understand what you are reading. This may

seem like a daunting proposition while standing in front of a room full of people, but, by concentrating

on the meaning of the text, it may actually divert your attention away from your anxiety. In any event,try to get a general feel for what the article is saying and do not attempt to memorize and recall every

detail. Relax and let the facts sink in, and you will be surprised at how much information you are

capable of retaining.

Try to incorporate the skills you have learned such as vocal projection and physical poise, but do not

be discouraged if, say, your eye contact is less than perfect, since the main focus here is to strengthen

reading comprehension and recitation skills.

Do not try to cover too much when reporting on the content. Organize your recitation by outlining the

main thrust of the piece, backing this up with one or two examples (from the article), or facts thatspring to mind.




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Exercise Eight: Lead Panel Discussion

OBJECTIVE: To moderate a panel discussion.

EXERCISE: You will lead and participate in a discussion on an issue of common interest.

NOTE: The role of the panel moderator is to lead the discussion, get all participants involved, regulate

the tempo and keep the flow of information moving. To do this you must take control and maintain it

throughout the exercise.

An effective moderator sparks the debate by asking probing questions and making his views clear

without dominating the discussion. Take the discussion in another direction if it gets mired in

controversy, and seek other viewpoints if one participant monopolizes the format

Your role is to initiate and foster lively, interesting and orderly interaction between panel members.




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Exercise Nine: Prepared Speech with Visual Aids

OBJECTIVE: To gain experience employing visual aids in a prepared speech.

EXERCISE: Prepare a speech requiring you to make use of power point, a slide projector, chalkboard,

or other visual aids such as props or handouts.

NOTE: Visual aids are ubiquitous in boardrooms, classrooms and seminar halls because they get the

message across clearly and graphically, which benefits the audience as well as the presenter.

You should be fairly comfortable using a podium or lecture stand, at this point, and experience with

visual aids is the next logical progression. When properly utilized, they facilitate communication, and

reduce anxiety by deflecting attention from the speaker, while anchoring him to stark visual, as well aswritten cues. Their use, however, is never to be taken for granted, for without the proper forethought

and practice, the advantages can suddenly transform to mishap and result in embarrassing interludes.

Practice with your aids until you are confident you can handle them comfortably. A slide projector canbe a trusted cohort, providing clarity, and support for anxiety reduction; or a springboard for spiraling

angst if it malfunctions. Careful preparation insures against that. Use a checklist to account for every

item (slide, pointer, handouts, etc.) before you leave for your presentation, and when you arrive at yourdestination. Arrive early to allow extra time for a test run to insure circuits are in order and all parts

are functioning. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Visual aids should aid the communication; therefore, make sure they are positioned properly so they

are clearly visible.

And finally, if you are afraid your hands will tremble, avoid holding up a prop for an extended period

of time.

In essence, put as much forethought and effort into the visual portion of your presentation as you do

into the content, and you will make effective use of a powerful communication tool, while avoiding

problems.




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Exercise Ten: Prepared Speech (Putting it all Together)

OBJECTIVE: To incorporate all the speaking skills learned thus far.

EXERCISE: Prepare a speech utilizing gestures, movement, vocal variety, eye contact, enthusiasm

and all other sills mastered to date. Review previous lessons to extrapolate the communicationenhancing techniques you have covered, and incorporate them in your speech.

NOTE: Select a simple, non-technical subject, since your primary focus will be on your presentational

skills and not the text per se.

Make judicious use of your notes. Highlight phrases you plan to emphasize vocally, or with gestures

and movement to drive home a particular point.

The aim is to practice your skill set, not present a polished speech. Expect the presentation to be

somewhat ragged the first time through this exercise since several variables will be vying for your

attention. Once you have mastered the aforementioned techniques and can incorporate themseamlessly into your presentations, your focus will naturally shift to the content of your message.




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MASTER LEVEL

Exercise One: Rant

OBJECTIVE: Break down inhibition and gain freedom of expression using emotion.

EXERCISE: Address and react viscerally to an issue of common annoyance. The exercise is overonly when you are sufficiently fervent in your appeal. This is a particularly good exercise if you have

difficulty expressing anger, and the instructor will prompt you if you have trouble getting untracked.

NOTE: Let loose! Dont worry about getting the words right. Tap into gut feeling and let the

message gush out. Work yourself into frenzy over the topic and see what happens. Talk about the

rude person who ruined your commute home by talking incessantly on his cell phone. Or ruminate on

why the transit authority cannot seem to build a subway seat that can accommodate a normal sizedperson. If SUVs polluting the environment makes you crazy, tell us about it in no uncertain terms.

Select an issue that truly annoys you to really get yourself going.

Experiment. Let the emotion soar and communicate your angst through voice, body and gestures.

It is much more difficult to be fearful when genuinely angry or enthusiastic, and by sending energyoutward you diffuse tension and anxiety. This is a breakthrough exercise for many, once they realize

empowering emotions can displace their performance anxiety.




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Exercise Three: Improvisation

OBJECTIVE: To learn to improvise unscripted dialogue in an imaginary conflict with a partner.

EXERCISE: You and a partner will assume a relationship (siblings, spouses, business partners, etc.)

and a conflict to explore. And since the scene is not scripted you must improvise the interchange byreacting to one another.

For example you might confront your lover with their infidelity, or reprimand a subordinate for their

slovenly work habits. Tell your husband he needs to make more money, or spend less time at the pub.Select a conflict and relationship you can identify with. If you are not a heavyweight boxer in real life,

dont choose a scenario where you confront your manager for shortchanging you on the purse. Choose

something closer to home. If your real boss makes you stay late without paying overtime, you have acustom made disagreement to probe.

You must accept whatever reality your partner throws at you. If your partner says you were drunk for

3 days, defend yourself, but dont deny it. Whatever scenario you select, present your case forcefullyand stand your ground.

NOTE: Settle on a relationship and conflict of significance to you. Dont choose a distant aunt tohave this battle with when more meaningful relationships are at your disposal. If your spouses

snoring doesnt bother you, then pick something that exasperates you. The exercise takes flight when

you are able to invest real emotion into the interchange. This expends nervous energy, helps you focusand generally contributes to a more spontaneous exchange.

Your goal is not to resolve the conflict, but to plumb its depths. So dont give up, dont give in anddont be polite. Use every weapon in your arsenal (logic, guilt, guile, etc.) to get what you want.

This exercise is not nearly as daunting as it may appear on paper if you resist the temptation to act orentertain the audience. Focus on what you want from your partner and how you are going to get it, not

on how you are being perceived by the audience. This is not a performance or an audition. In effect, it

is nothing more than a conversation where the participants hold differing views. The key to making

the exercise manageable is not to preplan what you are going to say, but to present your case and thenreact to what your partner sends back. If you do that you will be surprised how naturally you flow

through the exercise.




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Exercise Four: Explore Personal Conflict Present Case to Group

OBJECTIVE: To transfer the freedom gained in the improvisational setting to public presentation.

EXERCISE: Explore a relationship and conflict with a partner. Upon completion, stand and direct

your argument to the group in a forthright, concise manner. Make your point, backed up by anexample if possible, and then close.

For example: if you were to confront a patron of a restaurant for flaunting the no smoking rule, you

would state your case, react to their response and stand your ground. Then you might turn to theaudience and make the argument that smoking in the presence of others, is not only a selfish, but

aggressive act since cigarette smoke contains carbon-monoxide, tar and ammonia, which are harmful

to a second party breathing it. You might also add that personal freedom is not an inherent right, whenthat freedom infringes upon another.

Dont hesitate to repeat any of the points you made during the personal interaction, as long as you

organize them in a clear, concise manner.

NOTE: Generally, people feel far more comfortable speaking with an individual than addressing a

group; yet, the difference is largely perceptual. A group is, in effect, a collection of individuals, andfar less intimidating if you are able to perceive it that way. When taken in a series of gradual steps, the

power, freedom and naturalness gained in the personal interaction is easily transferred to group

presentation.

Once you have finished your exchange with your partner, rise, face the audience, select a person to

direct your comments to, and sum up your argument. As your comfort level increases, direct anotherportion of the summation to some other listener, and then to another. Finally, (when you are

sufficiently at ease) repeat the summation to the audience at large.

You will be tempted to adopt a more formal aspect when speaking to the group, but with each

gradation, strive to maintain the conversational tone you used interacting with your partner. The

personal feel will carry over to the group dynamic and go a long way to reducing anxiety.




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Exercise Five: Speak without Preparation on a Social Issue

OBJECTIVE: To learn to present a cohesive and persuasive argument on a social issue without notesor lead-time to prepare.

EXERCISE: Present your views on a controversial current event or social issue, such as abortion, guncontrol, school prayer, etc. without preparing your remarks in advance.

NOTE: Organization is key, and defining the topic is an effective way to begin. For instance,

discussing gun control, you might start by explaining the conflict: those against want stricter laws tocontrol the sale of firearms, and gun enthusiasts feel it is an infringement on personal freedom.

Once you have clearly outlined the controversy, you can then weigh in with your position. Your aim isto present an impassioned, persuasive argument, without alienating your listeners. Build your case

with energy, facts and logic. Utilize all the communication skills you have mastered (i.e., projection,

gestures, enthusiasm, etc.), while maintaining a diplomatic tone.

Whenever possible use examples to buttress your statements. Making the

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