Public Sp- Uh... Speaking Experiences

Public speaking has never really been my forte. I used to be much worse, getting a sinking feeling in my stomach as I sat in class, dreading the moment that I'd have to get up and present. When I did present, my hands would shake uncontrollably, I'd have nervous ticks, and my face would get as red as a tomato. However, after many presentations, eventually the sinking feeling passed, and my hand shakes, nervous ticks, and beet-red face got better. But unfortunately, I've never really had any public speaking experiences outside of a classroom environment.

I feel like my public speaking strengths are the tone of my voice, and my enunciation. But, the list of my weaknesses is much longer. While standing in front of a crowd, I tend to completely blank out, and even though I practiced my speech perfectly just a few moments before, I second guess myself and have to refer to my notes, and begin to use verbal fillers. Also, when starting out my presentation, the nerves cause my voice to waver. Finally, I never know what to do with my body and hands when I give a speech. Usually I'll hold my note cards in order to keep my hands busy, but that won't be possible with this TED talk.

I'd really like to get rid of the verbal fillers I use when I get nervous, and I'd also like to develop a natural stance and hand movements that enhance my speech. In order to do this, I can practice not using verbal fillers whenever I respond to questions in class. Also, I can practice my speech in front of a mirror, or video tape myself as I practice giving my speech in order to know what about my stance and hand motions I can change.