I am in the process of writing a new book on Public Speaking and I need YOUR help.

The subject of the book is about Public Speaking Horror Stories and how your recovered from them or learned from them. I’m looking for any story about a speech or presentation you may have done that went horribly wrong. I’m also looking for some inspirational or even funny stories.

Here’s an example:

Tony Hseih, the CEO of Zappos, was about to give a speech. He spilled soda on the leg of his jeans just before getting up to talk. Instead of panicking, he kept his cool and found a way to recover. He spilled the same amount of soda on the other leg to make the jeans look like they were designed to be darker in those two spots. Genius!

If you have a story or know of a story that fits this subject, I’d love to hear from you.

If selected your story will be featured in the book, you’ll get a free digital copy of the book, plus bragging rights that you have a published story in a (hopefully) best selling book.

Your submission should include the story, what you learned or something to take away from the story, your name and location (city, state, and/or country), and whether you want me to print your name and location as part of the story.

The story can be any length but something around 500 – 1000 words would be PERFECT!

Send your submissions to dan@publicspeakingwithoutpanic.com and I’ll get back in touch with your once I’ve read your story.

Looking forward to reading your public speaking stories!

*** UPDATE ***

I’ve set up a submission form to make it easier for you to submit your stories

Go to http://bit.ly/PublicSpeakingHorrorStories and simply fill out the form!

Thanks.

Overcoming Shyness: Why?

One of the main roots of public speaking fear is shyness and for some, overcoming shyness is one of the hardest things to do. Those that are afraid to speak in front of a group suffer from extreme shyness of one form or another. Overcoming that shyness can lead to a boost in confidence, which can lead to controlling your fear of public speaking or even stage fright.

Overcoming Shyness Leads To Controlling Your Public Speaking Fear

There are no overnight cures for fear of public speaking or overcoming shyness. Anyone promising you that is selling a lie. If overcoming shyness and, ultimately, controlling your public speaking fear are you goals, you need time and practice, plus a willingness to learn.

In this 5 part video series, I will teach you one method that has worked by building on small successful steps. You learn to ease out of your shy shell and become a more open, talkative person. I’ll show you how you have many opportunities during your day to practice these steps and how having these opportunities provide you with a safe and secure place to learn.

Once you’ve mastered these small steps, I’ll show you real world examples of how you can take what you’ve learned to the next level. Once you’re here, you should be able to feel more confident talking than you ever have felt before.

Having this kind of confidence will eventually lead you to feeling comfortable giving speeches or presentations. It doesn’t matter if you’re speaking in a board room, class room, or any other kind of room – a confident speaker is a fearless speaker. I’m not guaranteeing that you’ll be flawless or give the next great speech. I will say that after you work with these exercises, you should be able to learn how to become more confident talking in front of people.

If you’re willing to change, then I can help you get there. Watch these 5 videos and see how building your confidence will lead to a better life (at least when speaking in front of others).

Overcoming Shyness To Control Fear: A 5 Part Video Series

Public Speaking Without Panic: The Book

Well, it’s been almost 3 years in the making but I can proudly say that I have officially published my first Public Speaking book. The book is called Public Speaking Without Panic: A How-To Guide to Giving Speeches, Presentations, and Oral Exams With Less Fear, Panic, Stress, and Anxiety (I know – it’s a long title which is why I just say “Public Speaking Without Panic”.

Here’s the summary:

Public Speaking is considered one of the top fears. In most surveys it ranks higher than death. Most people will do almost anything to avoid it. Unfortunately most of us will have to face this fear at some point in our life (you won’t believe some of the things I did – it’s in this book).

Does this sound familiar?

Your heart is racing. You can feel your blood pressure rising. The sweat is starting to drip from your face, hands, and every other exposed body part. The knot in your stomach has gone from a dull ache to nausea. You are heading for a full blown panic attack. Your flight or fight instinct says RUN!

This sounds like a character from a horror film that is about to get attacked by the mutant alien inchworm killer. It’s not. This is you, just moments before having to get up in front of an audience to give a speech or presentation.

Public Speaking Without Panic is a “how-to” guide that can help you harness and control your public speaking panic, fear, anxiety, and stress. With this guide you will learn simple techniques that will help you keep your fear at bay. 

Using simple, straight forward tools and tips, you’ll learn:
– How a simple “trick” can make you relax almost instantly
– How developing a “grocery list” can give your presentation a better flow
– Why using slides works in some cases and doesn’t work in others
– How to properly practice to reduce the amount of stress and fear, and build confidence at the same time
– How going to the grocery store can help eliminate public speaking fear
– Why getting to your location early and meeting the audience can give you a bigger confidence boost

This book is a compilation of the tips and tricks I use in every one of my presentations. If you apply the techniques in this easy-to-follow guide, you too will be on your way to public speaking confidence.

Many questions like Why are you afraid of public speaking are answered, as well as many tips for preparing for a successful speech or presentation.

Currently the only format the book is in is Amazon Kindle. However, Amazon has readers for the PC, Mac, Android, and iOS devices for free. So, don’t feel like you can’t get the book because you don’t have a reader. I also plan to have a physical book available soon (for those of you who like a good old fashioned book to hold).

Here’s the link to the book: Public Speaking Without Panic: A How-To Guide to Giving Speeches, Presentations, and Oral Exams With Less Fear, Panic, Stress, and Anxiety

Right now it’s only $2.99. I’m planning to raise the price at some point. So, if you’re even the slightest bit interested, get it now while it’s at the lowest price.

If you do get the book, I would LOVE YOU FOREVER if you would leave me a review. The public speaking and public speaking fear topic has been something that I’ve been involved with for some time. It would be great to hear from other public speaking participants.

Whether you are giving a full blown speech to a group of hundreds, giving an update during a meeting, or having to do a oral presentation in class – if you have a fear of public speaking, this can seem like the end of the world to you. However, even though you have a fear of public speaking, stage fright, or whatever label you want to put on it, you can get through the experience and possibly even enjoy it.

Here are three tips to help you the next time you have to get up and speak.
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“Before someone can change, they have to learn, and before they learn, they have to cease being scared.”
– Seth Godin

I think this says it all. Before you can be a better public speaker, you have to cease to be afraid of it. However, with public speaking, there is room to be a little scared. The fear can be used to keep you honest, keep you alert, and keep you grounded.

In your quest to conquer your fear of public speaking, ask yourself this: What have I learned so far? Who can I ask for help? Where have I found the best advice?

If you keep striving to overcome your fear of public speaking (or any other fear for that matter), you will achieve your goal. You just have to keep believing and keep learning.