Abstract:

In an age dominated by technology and social media, people believe that communication has become an easier task but that is quit far from the truth. They think they are good at verbal communication just because they talk to or chat with their friends, family, colleagues or even strangers on the bus everyday, but ask someone to address a public audience and that skill may disappear. Nowadays, the occasions to speak up during the average day have decreased and that is precisely why public speaking skills are important now more than ever. As an instructor of public speaking at the American University in Dubai and having given workshops on business communication and speaking skills for the past 10 years, I have done lot of research to uncover the reasons behind the fear of speaking in public, the lack of speaking spills and to find solutions to become a more effective speaker. Throughout this presentation, I will share those findings and explain why every person should acquire public speaking skills.

In a questionnaire I have sent out to 150 students and employees, I found out that the majority of the respondents feel very anxious when they are about to give a speech, have faster heart beats, start sweating and worry that they might forget the whole speech but they all calm down eventually minutes into the speech; a logical finding since more than 70% of the population suffer from glassophobia. Few of the respondents claim that they actually enjoy giving a speech, feel relaxed when presenting and can control their tension when on stage. On the other hand, a minority of the respondents feel extremely nervous and fear panic attacks and memory block. Throughout the presentation I will explain how we relate to the four different styles of speaking apprehension; average, confrontational, inflexible and insensitive.

Throughout the first half of the presentation I will discuss the professional benefits of public speaking which include critical thinking skills, verbal and non verbal skills, and leadership skills. In the second half, I will explain the personal benefits and in the end, I will present some effective solutions and tips that help in becoming a more effective speaker.

Keywords:

Public speaking, Communication skills.