How To Improve Your Public Speaking (and Even Learn to Love It)
From a winner of a national science communication competition
Public speaking is one of the most common sources of fear and anxiety. Three in four people report feeling overly nervous about public speaking. The fear of public speaking is called glossophobia. Whether speaking in a work meeting, presenting in class or speaking in front of a large audience, this is a valuable skill to master. Over the past year, I presented scientific ideas to a non-specialist audience in many different settings. I performed stand-up comedy science talks and competed in communication competitions. I participated in a science public speaking competition called FameLab, becoming Ireland’s National Champion. I learned to deliver fascinating tidbits of information within three minutes to a non-specialist audience.
There are several important considerations when preparing for your talk. However, with the right toolkit, you too can prepare captivating presentations. This guide will provide you with the practical tips and know-how to add this skill to your repertoire.
Over the course of the last three years, I overcame some of my fears and inadequacies in communication and public speaking. In 2020, I spoke at various science communication events such as Bright Club and…
