High Self-Esteem And Public Speaking… Do You Need It? Article

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High Self-Esteem And Public Speaking… Do You Need It?

High self-esteem and self confidence can influence your public speaking abilities, but it doesn't have to be a negative impact! Learn how to effectively communicate with your audience with low or high self-esteem.

Author: Peter Fogel

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In a poll taken by MSNBC, men and women were asked what personal qualities had the greatest impact on the success of their careers. Naturally, men and women differed when it came to the importance of intelligence, ability and 'looks.' (I know...what a surprise) BUT the one thing they did agree on was the importance of self-confidence.

As you can imagine self confidence is of 'mucho' importance when it comes to speaking.

I am sure you know that people make judgments, or size you up, in about five seconds when you first meet them based on things like the eye contact you make and the firmness of your handshake.

Your Audience Sizes You Up Immediately! Be Ready!

Well, you can well imagine how an audience is sizing you up when you take the stage. They judge you by your body and facial movements and, of course, how you deliver your speech. Here's some interesting info for you.

• Speakers who engage their audiences with stories
instead of reading bullet points tend to be considered
to have high self-esteem.

• Speakers with a flat voice tend to speak in a low volume.
They are judged as having low self-esteem.

• Speakers that make strong eye contact and feel comfortable
within their skin and use natural hand motions are
considered to have strong self-confidence.

• Speakers who tend to trail off their voice are considered
to have low self-confidence.

Imagine Having Low Self-Esteem And Still Being
Wealthy And Successful

It all makes sense, doesn't it? Now, I don't know what your self-esteem level is.

BUT, I personally know a successful guru, and he actually reveals to his audience that he has 'low self-esteem.' Believe it or not...it doesn't hurt his presentation. It actually creates empathy with his listeners. They think, 'WOW! He's that wealthy and successful - has this image problem with himself and still accomplishes his goals. If he can do it...so can I.'

He did this for a reason. It was a self-improvement seminar. Now, I am not telling you to take that course of action in your speaking especially if you're representing your company and are trying to sell your audience on your goods and services.

Your audience of business men might think: 'Gee, does this guy need a hug or something?' What I am presenting to you is that in the beginning of your speaking career you some times have to 'fake it' to 'make it'!

Yes, Grasshopper…You Must Be ‘In The Moment’
When You Speak

There are times when I am in one of my moods...feeling low...but the minute I hit the stage I put that all behind me. You should always focus on the 'here and now', be truly engaged and present when you speak (even if things aren't going well in your life at that moment).

I am not a shrink (although I've played one on television), BUT if you have to work on certain personal issues - do it! Just don't let it effect your speaking. In fact, I am betting the more speaking you do--the more stage time you get--the more successful you will become, and the higher your self-esteem will be in all aspects of your life. It has for me, and I know it will be for you.

Peter Fogel is the creator of Peter “The Humorator” Fogel’s Guide To Effective Public Speaking. For more information on it and to sign up for his FREE 7 Days To Effective E-course go to www.fortune500comedy.com/PublicSpeakingEBook/index.html

About Author

Peter J. Fogel is a copywriter/speaker and the author of the book, “If Not Now… then When? Stories and Strategies of People Over 40 Who Have Successfully Reinvented Themselves.” As a comedian he's appeared on “CBS Morning Program”, “Evening at The Improv”, “Caroline’s Comedy Hour”, “Comedy Central”, and has worked on such sitcoms as “Married With Children” and “Hope and Faith.” Visit http://www.fortune500comedy.com for more!

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