[ Contents | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: SSG Hodges
Date: 10/9/03
Time: 8:51:38 PM
Remote Name: 128.8.218.131
Thanks for your question, Bethany. I ALWAYS find that I stutter less when I give a speech -- especially when I was narrating air shows. For one, I really "get into" it: it becomes almost like a "stage performance" for me. I guess because I want people to believe in what I'm "selling" so to speak, so I passionately tell my story (in the case of the air shows, I was doing them over and over again, so I got confidence that way too.) Furthermore, I've convinced myself that I'm good at it and want to "wow" the crowd (it's a sort of my way of psyching myself up I guess.) Also, something I learned in public speaking: before ANY presentation, I always make sure that I know my introduction almost by heart (it can be just a paragraph or less.) That way, when I get up in front of the audience, if I begin to get some stage "jitters," I know that I'll have no problems with starting off (and I also make sure that I've got my "closing" down pat.) Furthermore I've always used index cards and write an outline in black magic marker (so I can see it at a glance -- often I don't use it, but just having it there, reassures me.) And I normally tape myself and listen to any speech that I give several times. I really catch a lot of errors or problems that way PLUS it gives me a taste of what it'll be like since the tape recorder is "waiting" for me to deliver my speech (so imaginary pressure is there during the practice.) And last of all, I remember something an old Sergeant once told me when I didn't really want to go to a TV show to discuss our performance: "Sergeant, remember, you know more about that subject out there than nearly anyone listening. You could make stuff up and they wouldn't even know it. And those people who do know what you're talking about, aren't going to call you on it." When I thought about it, he was right. In any case, it worked for me. And Bethany, the more I do public speaking, the easier it gets. Of course you know that actors/performers who stutter often have no problem on stage. Hope this answers your question.