RESOURCE 12
9 Ways to Lower the Stakes in Public Speaking Situations
1
Small Audiences.
Start by practicing in pairs, then standing in small groups, then in front of the class, then in front of a public audience.
2
Seated Presentations.
Have students practice speaking seated before they stand in front of the class.
3
Limited Choices.
Offer students a limited set of 3 to 5 topic choices that range in difficulty, so that they aren’t overwhelmed by unlimited possibilities but also have a choice.
4
Simultaneous Practice.
Have students practice their remarks all at once -- it’s noisy, but it makes them feel like they can blend in and no one is listening to them while they practice.
5
Frequent Rehearsal.
Practice remarks in class...a lot!
6
Run-through the Opening Walk.
Have students practice walking up to the front of the room and feeling secure in their opening stance.
7
Increase Presentations.
Increase the number of public speaking assignments so that they become less of a big deal.
8
Adjust Grading.
When appropriate, incorporate self-assessment as part of the grade and adjust the weight of some public speaking assignments to take the pressure off.
9
Be Careful What You Ask For.
Take care when you include requirements that raise the pressure, like requiring students to memorize their speech.