Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking

When ESP Give Speeches, Our Collective Story Shines Through 

By Dave Arnold

Shortly after the NEA Representative Assembly in New Orleans last July, I read countless praises in e-mails and newsletters about the speech given by 2003 Education Support Professional of The Year Martin Meyer.

Everyone agreed that the Idaho native sounded like a real pro at the podium. I was not in New Orleans with some 9,000 delegates representing state and local affiliates, but I read a copy of Marty’s acceptance speech.

So much of his speech contained exactly what I would like to say to Education Support Professionals (ESP), especially this:

“There is absolutely nothing in my background that has prepared me for public speaking.”

Writing words is one matter, but presenting them orally in front of thousands of people is another. I’ve been asked to speak at ESP conferences, civic groups and other public meetings. I reluctantly accept the invitations, but consider myself unprepared to face large crowds.

Study Public Speaking  

I wonder how many other ESP experience the same reluctance, or fear of public speaking? ESP with important stories to tell are sometimes discouraged from sharing their hard-earned knowledge because of the fear of public speaking. It's understandable.

Public speaking ranks ahead of snakes, heights, and the dark as causing fear in people worldwide. I thought about taking college classes on public speaking, but I can’t afford them.

Maybe the National Education Association (NEA) or state Association should offer public speaking seminars for members, especially those in leadership positions who get invited to speak before large groups of strangers or in front of TV cameras.

If you would like to sharpen your public speaking skills, try Toastmasters International. This organization offers a fairly affordable way to learn about speechwriting and speech giving. There are thousands of local clubs scattered across the country. For the location of a club near you, visit the Toastmaster Web site.

If your school has a debate team, maybe the coach would agree to review your speeches and evaluate your speech delivery. It’s worth an inquiry. 

Speak From the Heart

I have received a compliment or two in my time for a speech. Though I lack the spit and polish of veteran public speakers, I can offer ESP one piece of advice that has worked for me: speak from the heart. Also: practice, practice, practice.

Most anyone can become a better public speaker if they learn the basics and practice their speeches. I heard that Marty’s sincerity came through loud and strong in New Orleans. Some might think these attributes are rare. Well, they are. But I believe they are present in all ESP.

I plan to attend the NEA ESP conference next spring and hope to meet this gentleman. He has revived our ESP pride and I want to thank him.

Inspiring Speech

As I read through Marty’s outstanding speech, I found myself agreeing more and more with all the rave reviews. I was also amazed at how much of his speech I could relate to.

He is a custodian. Me too. He has 22 years of experience. I have 21. I felt like I knew this gentleman even though we have not met. I am grateful that he did not succumb to his fear of public speaking, or else his audience would have been deprived of the following:

“As a school custodian my job description lists my duties as cleaning and caring for my school in an orderly manner. I prefer to think of my job as providing a place where learning can occur. Where students feel safe and secure; teachers can teach; food service workers can meet the nutritional needs of kids, and the front office can take care of children and parents. If all I did was care for and clean my school, I’d be back home doing that right now. And somebody else would be standing here. My job description is about a building, but my job is about people.”

(Dave Arnold, a member of the Illinois Education Association, is head custodian at Brownstown Elementary School in Southern Illinois.)

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NEA or its affiliates.