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Writing and Public Speaking

| By | Food,News,Resources

When I first started writing books, I didn’t really think about what happens after the book is published – the necessity of having to promote and (gasp!) give talks and speaking engagements about my work. I love the “behind the scenes” aspect of writing and research. Sifting through archival material is so satisfying to me – burying myself in books, documents, manuscripts, etc. and then piecing together nuggets of information into an engaging and informative narrative. I went into librarianship because I enjoy the treasure hunt of tracking down information. Combining this with writing is honestly what I feel I do best.

What I don’t love is public speaking. And I’m not alone. According to a recent article in BBC Science Focus, “A reported 77 per cent of people experience a fear of public speaking, known as glossophobia, one of the most common forms of social anxiety. At its worst, this fear can hinder personal and professional growth, restrict leadership opportunities, stifle self-expression and even stall career advancement.”

However, after many years of presenting on a variety of historical topics related to my writing and research, I have come to appreciate the benefits of public speaking and have even finally begun to enjoy it a little bit. How did I get over this hurdle? I didn’t imagine folks in their underwear or any other common tips. For me, it has been all about practicing and really knowing the topic inside and out. When I started, I would approach the podium with a stack of notes that I would refer to as a crutch, but over time I began to lose the notes and just focus on the on-screen cues as I went through my slideshow.

When I give presentations on my research, I have found that no two end up being the same (even when the topic and slides are very similar). Some of that depends on the demographics of the audience, but it also has to do with focusing on what comes to mind as I am speaking. I’ve researched and written about these topics so much that I know the material inside and out. I truly want to share this knowledge with people (which is why I wrote about it in the first place). But engaging with them in person and getting their feedback in real time can be so rewarding. Of course, things can also go sideways (tech issues are a big culprit!), but I have learned to navigate these challenges and accept them as learning experiences.

Watching others speak and present on various topics is also helpful, as well as being mindful to speak slowly and not say filler words such as “um,” “like,” etc. Again, practice makes perfect! Getting feedback afterwards on what I can do better next time, whether from a friend, family member or an audience survey has also been beneficial.

Books and articles on the topic have also been useful. One I enjoyed was Think Faster, Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams, Stanford professor and host of the “Think Fast, Talk Smart” podcast. In this book, Abrams provides suggestions, exercises and techniques on how to become a better speaker via a six-step method to help us become “more comfortable and confident in the moment” regardless of “how affable, sociable, and facile with words we perceive ourselves to be.” It was definitely helpful in managing some of the impromptu situations and questions that arise when public speaking. Also useful was Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain by psychologist and cognitive neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett. While not specifically about public speaking, Barrett’s comparisons to everyday things and practices to help readers understand the brain’s complexity were helpful in gaining a better understanding of how our brains decipher and process information. This can help a speaker decide how to organize a slide show – from graphics to the material discussed.

Bottom line: Do what works for you. Public speaking is not a cookie-cutter activity. Everyone handles it differently and every situation varies. Sometimes there will be just a handful of people in the audience; sometimes several hundred. The equipment and set-up can be basic or very high-tech. Be ready and prepared for anything! I have found that the more I know about the venue, tech set-up, audience, etc. the better. It helps put me at ease and makes the experience smoother for everyone.

Public speaking in reality by Becky Diamond

From Rutgers University Libraries

Rutgers Libraries has many books on the topic of public speaking. Here’s a few to check out!