7 Myths about Public Speaking

Have you been suddenly asked to speak to a larger audience at work? Have you ever been asked to speak to a group of people in your private life? Situations like this may appear when you least expect it. These moments could be moments for us to shine. Instead of shying away from such opportunities, we should be ready for them. We should not decline these opportunities, but step up and make an impression.

Myths about public speaking do not help; instead, they exacerbate our fear. These misconceptions can discourage us from being confident in public speaking. In this blog post, we will debunk seven common myths about public speaking, helping you to build your confidence as a speaker.

Myth 1: Great Public Speakers are Born, Not Made

Many believe that a good public speaker is not made but born. They believe these speakers have been gifted with the gift of the gap, and they make good orators. Sadly, their beliefs are far from the truth. Many great speakers are not solely born with natural talent but have had their share of struggles to be accomplished speakers. While there is no doubt some individuals are naturally inclined to be good speakers, the doors to being a good speaker are not shut for the common man.

Reality: Practice Makes Perfect

Like any other skill, you can be a better public speaker through practice and dedication. Renowned speakers like Martin Luther King Jr. and Winston Churchill were no exception. They honed their skills through continuous practice and learning. Taking classes, improving through feedback, and having a coach can significantly improve your speaking abilities. 

In  the 2010 historical drama "The King's Speech" King George VI's journey to overcome his speech impediment and become a confident and effective speaker is a powerful testament of what is possible. The movie provides a compelling insight into the personal struggles and challenges he faced, as well as the support he received from his speech therapist, Lionel Logue. The impressive performances and moving storyline highlight the importance of perseverance and how a person can transform for the better regardless of their improbable start.

With the right mindset and sound coaching, everyone can become a better speaker.

Myth 2: You Must Be Extroverted to Be a Good Public Speaker

Many people believe that only extroverted people can be successful public speakers. They believe their naturally outgoing personality makes them comfortable in social situations. This myth can discourage introverts, who might assume they are disadvantaged from the get-go.

Reality: Introverts Can Excel in Public Speaking

Public speaking is not about personality but more about attitude, preparation, understanding your audience, and effectively delivering your message. Thus, regardless of whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, you can succeed and exude confidence as a public speaker. For introverts, their propensity to listen carefully, think deeply, and prepare thoroughly can work for them. In fact, many introverts often excel in crafting well-thought-out presentations and connecting with their audience meaningfully.

So do not let this false belief of your personality prevent you from being an accomplished speaker.

Myth 3: You Have to Memorize Your Entire Speech

I am not good at memorizing things, and hence, I would not be able to remember the speech script.

The fear of forgetting words or losing your place can make the idea of memorizing an entire speech seem daunting. Some people believe that to be a good speaker, one must memorize every word of the speech.

Reality: Understanding Over Memorization

While being familiar with your material is important, memorizing your entire speech is not a hard requirement. On the contrary, regurgitating what you memorize can actually make you sound robotic and increase anxiety if you forget a line, hindering your delivery.

Instead, focus on understanding the overall structure of your speech and remembering key points, which is all you need to do. An outline and bullet points are all you need to guide you in delivering your speech. Coupled with practice speaking naturally about each point, this will allow for a more authentic and engaging presentation.

Myth 4: Public Speaking Anxiety Can’t Be Overcome

Many people believe that their fear and anxiety of public speaking are something they will have to live with forever. This myth can be particularly discouraging and prevent individuals from seeking ways to be public speakers.

Reality: Public Speaking Anxiety Can Be Managed

Public speaking anxiety is common. Almost every speaker would have butterflies in their stomach at one time or another. Recognizing this simple fact and that the anxiety you have is not unique to you alone can be the first hurdle you need to overcome. Next, you would need to know that these anxieties are not insurmountable. There are strategies to manage and reduce anxiety, including deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and gradual exposure to speaking situations. Joining a supportive community can provide a safe environment to practice and build confidence. Over time, with persistent effort, you can significantly reduce your anxiety and become a more confident speaker.

Myth 5: A mistake will ruin the entire speech

Many think public speaking is about perfection, and there is no room for error. They treat public speaking like an ice-skating performance when one slip-up will cost them the top prize.

While it is good to be able to deliver a flawless speech, the truth is that the lawlessness of the speech is just the icing on the cake. The purpose of any speech is to make sure the message gets through to the audience. It is not so much about eliminating totally the "hmms" and "ahs" uttered in the speech.

Reality: Public speaking is about communication

The objective of any public speech is to connect with your audience and deliver a message. Authenticity, passion, and clarity are far more important than delivering a flawless performance. Focus on engaging with your audience and conveying your message effectively. The delivery of the message is the means and not the end.

Myth 6: Public Speaking is All About the Speaker

A common misconception is that public speaking is primarily about the speaker's performance, with the audience playing a passive role. This myth can lead to presentations that feel one-sided and disconnected from the audience's needs.

Reality: Public Speaking is About the Audience

Effective public speaking is audience-centric. Your primary goal should be to deliver value and engage your audience. Understanding your audience's interests, needs, and expectations can help you tailor your message and delivery. Encourage interaction, ask questions, and be responsive to feedback. By focusing on your audience, you can create a more impactful and memorable experience for them.

Myth 7: The Audience is Judging Every Mistake

Most people think when giving a speech, their audience is out to hang them for any slip-ups they make. They believe the audience is brutal and critical of every mistake they make. This myth can be debilitating and create unnecessary pressure and anxiety on the speaker, making it harder to speak confidently.

Reality: The Audience is More Forgiving Than You Think

Unless you are in a public speaking competition, audiences are generally more forgiving and understanding than we would give them credit for. They know that speaking in public is challenging and they are usually more forgiving of the speaker for any slip ups. Minor mistakes, such as stumbling over a word or losing your place, are often overlooked or quickly forgotten.

What matters more is how you handle these moments. Staying calm, composed, and being able to continue with your presentation is important during these slip ups. Showing resilience and poise can even endear you to your audience.

In summary

Anyone can speak confidently in front of an audience, regardless of their personality or anxieties. When you accept the realities of effective public speaking, as described in this blog, you are on the way to being a powerful communicator. Remember, mastering public speaking is a continuous process.

Many believe that a good public speaker is not made but born. They believe these speakers have been gifted with the gift of the gap, and they make good orators. Sadly, their beliefs are far from the truth. Many great speakers are not solely born with natural talent but have had their share of struggles to be accomplished speakers. While there is no doubt some individuals have a natural inclination to be good speakers, the common man is not deprived of the chance to be a good speaker too.

You can only get better at your delivery with each improvement you make.