4 Myths About Public Speaking
James Malinchak
In any area of interest, there are always pervasive beliefs which are often founded on false principles and uncertain assumptions. Public speaking is no exception and it has a lot of myths that many see as true. These myths are often discouraging and may hinder ones improvement. It can be unhealthy for a particular speaking career if not proven otherwise. Here are four common, and untrue myths. Myth #1: You have to be educated to become a public speaker. Although education is a great asset, it is not a requirement to start a speaking career. Although a high educational attainment may appeal to some buyers it all depends on the niche. If your market is highly academic and scholarly, then a good educational background can pull interest from buyers. On the other hand, most of the market does not demand a substantially educated speaker. A lot of public speakers do not have college degrees but still earning hefty amounts of money from bookings. In some niches, blue collar speakers with little or no education may possess more mass appeal because the audiences can relate to them. It all depends on the topics and the chosen niche. Sometimes, to motivate people, a speaker must show that they are human and a lack of higher education may do just that. A speaker can show the audience that even though they are not college educated they have achieved professional and financial success. It is an inspiring premise. Myth #2: You have to possess the gift of speaking in order to stand up in front of people to speak. Public speaking is a skill and just like any skill, it can be developed and practiced. There are formulas that anyone can use to create great speeches. All you need is a message and the willingness to deliver that message to your audience. After a few tweaks, revisions, and rehearsals; you can present a knockout speech even without the possessing the "gift of speech". Technique and practice are the key factors in improving public speaking skills. If someone dedicates himself or herself enough, anybody can be great. Myth #3: You have to be different or change who you are to speak. Many people will often say that a career in public speaking will make you fake, somewhat pretentious and change your personality. People might see it as analogous to movie stars or politicians; maintaining a public or stage persona to benefit the career. If this is the case, public speaking seems like very hard work but in reality, one does not have to change in order to become a speaker. Great speakers are individuals who stay true to their characters, including their weaknesses and idiosyncrasies. It makes them human and a lot of people can more relate to. Myth #4: You have to work hard to be a public speaker. This can be rather subjective. Yes, it can be hard work if your heart is not into it. Any endeavor without passion is not an easy task. However, if you are really committed to the career and loving it, it won't matter, will it? Moreover, once you get the hang of it public speaking will come naturally to you.
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