Business Entrepreneur
Why you suck at public speaking: you’ve been lied to
Every professional is involved in public speaking, be it a client presentation or on a conference stage, and most people are quite bad at it – here are some truths to combat the “do what feels natural” lie.

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Don Reedy
February 11, 2013 at 11:49 am
Curt, you are “like so right on, dude.” Everyone, as you say, has his/her own story. Mine goes as follows, and I’m only sharing briefly because your article will help me fix a problem.
I am easy going, love puns and words, and pay attention to people…so much more than I think most do. That habit makes we want to share and share and share. But when speaking I tend to talk too long, write too long, communicate too long.
So thanks for the advice on changing old habits. Today, while I could go on and on, I’ll just say thanks for letting me know I should “practice” what I “know.”
Curt Steinhorst
February 11, 2013 at 4:21 pm
Thanks for the encouragement Don! I’d love to chat more about it offline. shoot me an email when you have a few… curt@promentumgroup.com
Chip Eichelberger
February 11, 2013 at 1:00 pm
The best way to see if you do suck, is to record your presentation ideally with video, it takes guts to record it and more to watch it. Are you interesting to listen to and watch? Likely not. Get some. Coaching.
Curt Steinhorst
February 11, 2013 at 4:21 pm
Excellent insight Chip…coming from one of the best in the business.
Missy Caulk
February 11, 2013 at 5:12 pm
I tend to speak from the heart my passion. If I start to use notes…it is not good. Therefore I never take on something I truly don’t believe it. Any recommendations for me?
Curt Steinhorst
February 12, 2013 at 10:03 am
I’m sure you are not alone. I would have to see you speak to give precise feedback. As a general rule, organized thinking (I recommend a detailed outline) is necessary for effective communication. What you are describing sounds like an anxiety issue. We reduce anxiety by taking hold of the lies we let float through our head prior to a speech (I’m going to forget, people won’t laugh, people will laugh at me…etc) and replacing them with truth.
I’m happy to chat more about this offline.
Missy Caulk
February 12, 2013 at 11:48 am
Yes I do use an outline.
Missy Caulk
Missy@MissyCaulk.com
734-216-2822
Richard I. Garber
February 13, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Curt:
Another lie that lots of people fall for is that public speaking is the number one or the greatest fear. If you look beyond the silly old 1977 Book of Lists, you will see that’s nonsense:
https://joyfulpublicspeaking.blogspot.com/2012/10/either-way-you-look-at-it-public_23.html
Richard