Forget About Speaking Rules

One of the biggest fears people have is public speaking. I wonder if driving would make the list too if the first time someone gets behind the wheel they're required to only drive on the freeway, no less than 70 mph.

Public speaking is like that. Watched by the critical eye of peers, expected to follow a laundry list of rules, we’re told to articulate ourselves. (Here’s your chance: get on the freeway, and don’t blow it.)

Speaking rules are important, but they remind us of the middle school oral report we gave on that boring book that we only read halfway through. They remind us of the boy who snickered through the whole presentation. They remind us where we went wrong, what we failed at, and how much we sweat before our name was called to come forward. (They remind us that if we make a mistake, it feels like crashing a car, going 70 mph.)

Use good posture.
Don’t say “um”.
Make eye contact with the crowd.
Enunciate.
Control tone and volume.
Don’t stutter.
Monitor your pace.
Don't stare at your notes.

You’re not in 7th grade anymore. Forget the rules! Find your topic—one you truly love. And share from your heart.

And say “um” if you have to.
And slouch.
And mumble.
Get comfortable.

Confidence is something that grows as you free yourself from the imposition of rules and become accustomed to your own voice. The “rules" that will help you speak well are the ones crafted from within that help amplify your unique message, your voice, your heart.

We need you to speak.
(Eventually the “ums" stop. I promise.)