Notes from a public speaking workshop that actually helped

“Words are like sweets.”

— Jane Oakshott

Notes from a presentation skills workshop I took with the wonderful Jane Oakshott. Taken years ago when public speaking used to give me full-blown panic attacks.

Now I never speak to anyone. Problem solved. Hold for laugh. Thank you, I’ll be here all week.

This workshop included the most useful advice I’d ever received about public speaking.

Practical advice on breathing, posture, and voice. How to stop fear from eating you alive in front of an audience.

Recommended if you’ve ever had a panic attack in front of a microphone, a keyboard, or both.

Some of it works as well for writing as it does for public speaking.

Ten percent is what you say. Ninety percent is everything else.

Stop monitoring what you’re producing. Start thinking about who you’re producing it for.

This advice could save your life. If fear of public speaking is killing you. Not so much if you’re pursued by a bear.

This episode is brought to you by:

Nobody.

Links:

Original: Some Notes on Presentation Skills

Substack: jamesgarside.substack.com

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Chapter 23 by James Garside. A regular series of irregular thoughts. Could be anything. Mostly rants. Warning: May contain traces of sarcasm. Chapter 23 is a multimedia project by James Garside. Journalist, Author, Writer. Part-time vagabond, full-time grumpy arse. Would you care for a cup of tea? I write about everything from art, culture, and politics to tech, travel, and the occult. Sometimes in ways that get me into trouble. I’m also funny — I probably should’ve led with that. I help writers and artists to do their best work. Let’s be part of each other’s stories. More at: jamesgarside.net

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