(for
the other three parts, see the preceding articles on this blog)
Let
us now conclude our discussion of the fear of public speaking in foreign
languages. Until now, we have looked at causes and the context where we become
anxious. In the last section, we saw the importance of switching from an
egocentric perspective (I want to look good) to a position of providing value
to your audience.
Here
is a list of techniques and tricks that have helped me personally and others in
overcoming the fear of public speaking. I will most probably expand on each of
them in the future:
·
Using
everyday conversations as training situation. Imagine that you are on a stage
or that you are being filmed every time you interact with someone: a friend,
relative or a cashier at the supermarket. Transform situations in which, in the
past, you would have talked on autopilot into situations in which you formulate
your sentences in a conscious manner.
·
Record
yourself daily. Use your smartphone to record small segments of you talking -
in audio or video format. Then listen to yourself, take notice of possible
improvements, and train specifically in that direction. You can record
anything. The simplest thing would be to report on what has happened during the
last 24 hours.
·
Rehearse
in front of mirrors. Ideally, if you have a second, mobile mirror, position it
in an angle, so that you can observe your posture. Avoid staring all the time
into your eyes, because with an audience you will need to move your eyes across
the room, and not just focus on one audience member.
·
Practice
talking to yourself whenever you have the opportunity. Rehearse specific
segments of your presentation. On the street, most people will not notice that
you are not talking into your phone.
·
Commit
small mistakes intentionally when you are on stage. Learn that nothing
tragically happens when you do so and that, when they are asked afterwards,
most audience members will not remember the mishap, and that you can gain
conscious control over whether you want to commit them or not.
The GO Method
“I have been living in Germany for years.
I have gone through all the levels and sustained the necessary exams.
Nonetheless, I still make too many mistakes as to get a serious employment in
my profession.”
It is easy to start a foreign language. It
takes only practice and living abroad to get fluent. To learn the last (!) 5%
and to speak without mistakes, however, you will need completely different
approach.
The GO Method helps you get rid of your
chronic grammar and pronunciation mistakes by applying psychology and
principles of quality management.
We offer corrective courses for some
languages, as well a general system for improving your use of any language. We
support companies in improving the language proficiency of key employees.
Gerhard J. Ohrband
Psychologist and polyglot from Hamburg
/Germany (*1979). Married, one son. MA in psychology from the University of
Hamburg. More than 15 years of experience as a university lecturer in
psychology as well as a consultant for UNICEF, Terre des Hommes, IOM, the EU
and private companies. Coordinator of the GO Method network, with
representatives in more than 90 countries worldwide.
Contact
Send us an
e-mail: Gerhard.j.ohrband@gmail.com
If you want to save time in learning a
foreign language without a teacher, please check out my book “The GO Method”
on Amazon.
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