Tips for Public Speaking

It is often said that most people are less afraid of death than public speaking. Most people hate speaking in front of a crowd. Why is that? Mainly, it's because we realize, rightly, that since there are many people watching us, what we do will be remembered by many people. We take a risk when we speak in front of people. It is a risk, but that does not mean you shouldn't do it. Some people like being in front of people, others don't. I happen to enjoy it. And while I'm no expert about public speaking, here are some points that help me when I'm about to get in front of people.

1. They aren't against you. Whether you're acting in a play, giving a tribute to a person at a birthday party, performing stand-up comedy, or even just sharing your ideas about something, people aren't against you. They are not looking at you hoping you will fail. Almost all the time, they are interested in what you're saying. They aren't looking for what you do wrong. They have an open mind. It's not uncommon after you've been in front of people to brood to yourself afterwards about how bad you did, and then find out that everyone loved it.

2. Usually, being a little nervous will help you on stage. This isn't with everyone, but with me it is certainly true, and I am not alone. Being a little afraid does help sometimes with being your best on stage. The reason is that when you're a little on your toes, you are alert. You want to do your best, and you are more likely to do well.

3. Being in front of people does not usually mean acting. As a rule of thumb, never try to promote a false persona in front of people unless what you're doing specifically calls for it. For instance, in a play, the whole point is being different. This is also the case in stand-up comedy, although there not as much. But remember--people, especially people who know you, will know if you're not being yourself on stage. So try to be yourself as much as you can!

4. You don't always have to plan everything. Spontaneity is often better than an elaborate plan. That's not to say you shouldn't plan anything. But give yourself a little room to move, to change, to think on stage. I know that I sometimes surprise myself with how I can think and change my plan a little on stage. I think that's likely true with many people. Of course, with acting, and sometimes with stand-up you want a good plan. But some informal things, like, say speaking at an open mike at a family gathering, are best done spontaneously. Trust yourself a little. You can do it!

The most important point is to trust yourself. It has a lot to do with self-image. You need to believe that you have something valuable to say, and that fifty, a hundred, or even two hundred people actually want to and should listen to what you have to say. Public speaking builds character. Just go for it.

The old blog

Just a quick note to say that I have decided not to delete my old blog. Too much history there. You can find all the old stuff at http://spyhunter444.spaces.live.com/. Incidentially, I'm changing my approach on this blog. This blog will be more articles and opinions and less of a personal/online diary. That's just boring personal stuff. Here it will just be articles, ideas, etc.

A blog?

Yes. The rumors that you may have been hearing at Chicken Chef while you sip your morning coffee are true. David Klippenstein is starting a blog. And it's not just any old blog. No, no. I don't make things that are ordinary. This is a special blog. If you read it, you will get a good view of what I think about the world. That sounds a little too much thinking, and a little not enough crazy, so please be assured that I will do a lot of crazy things on this blog too.

Some people might look at me and say, 'why the heck would you put your opinions up on a blog where everyone can see them?' I say, what's the point of opinions if they are unexpressed? And the same goes for you. If I say something on here that you agree with, that makes you laugh, that you think is inappropriate, that you disagree with, feel free to leave a comment. Tell me and others what you think.

And yes. I will be updating this thing. The start of this blog marks the end of my old blog, which I will be deleting. I will try to update this weekly. Try is an operative word here, but it shouldn't be much slower than that. Unless I write a post that I think should stay on top for a while. But my point is that this blog will be alive and will change. So check back often!

You may now eat that cookie you were wanting to eat before you started reading this.