The Lecturers vs. The Lost: Our Fear of Public Speaking
In a world where riveting speeches can sway entire cultures, the ability to speak in public has proven to be a key quality of leaders worldwide; yet being such a revered quality, the majority of people still say they fear only dying more than public speaking. With the Bailey Oratorical Contest speeches still fresh in our minds, we asked Lynn Cockett, assistant professor of communication, why people fear public speaking. And, what makes a good public speaker?
Question
What is the essence of public speaking?
Answer
It’s all about trying to make a personal connection with a large group when only one person is talking. This is established through three main aspects: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. Ethos is how well you can be trusted, Pathos is your emotional connection to the audience, and Logos is whether or not your speech is logical. You cannot give a successful speech with only one of these aspects.
Q
What is the key characteristic of public speaking?
A
You have to believe your own message, and this has to come through in how you deliver it. The core of public speaking has to be you wanting to connect to the people you are talking to. Although it looks like just one person is communicating, public speaking is a give and take relationship; you have to be willing to respond to the audience’s messages, just as much as you want them to respond to yours.
Q
Why is there such a large fear of public speaking?
A
I believe Jerry Seinfeld said it best when he said that people fear public speaking more than death. The problem with public speaking is that it is so different from conversation. In a normal conversation with somebody, if I say something stupid, I can repair it; but in front of a large group, it’s hard to repair a mistake. Another problem is that being in the spotlight is hard for people; there is no diverting of attention. Your relationship with the audience matters too; I find that if I know my audience, there are expectations, as well as relationships at stake.
Q
Is the art of public speaking an essential ability?
A
I would like to think the answer is yes, because everyone will find themselves in a situation where they need the skill at some time. Yet, on the other hand, I know a lot of people that have never overcome that fear, and they seem to survive. However; I think that it’s an essential skill regardless of whether or not you use it, because it helps you to gain confidence in yourself.
Q
Can a good public speaker be made?
A
It’s a mix; I think that it can be naturally born, but it’s also something that is trained. People can be trained to speak, with everything laid out in front of them, but they have to have the passion. I don’t know if desire is born or made, but I know that public speaking is the mix of the ability to do it, as well as the desire to do it.
- Chris Bender '10, Student Reporter