Evening star., 1951-01-21
docs Stage Fright Freeze You?
By Kite Turmoil

Does public speaking seem like
a fate worse than freezing. when
ever you are called upon to ad-
dress a group? Does stage-fright
give you that fallingIinto-space
feeling as your throat tightens,
your ears closeup. and your heart
hammers?
It is comforting to know that
rs per cent of all people do suf-
fer some. during their first
speeches. according to extensive
research Cat the University Of
Southern California;. This is
nothing to worry about, for long!
"Some get over it; others learn
to control It," observes DR.. Milton
c. Dickens, speech specialist.
First, practice to ease yourself
into readiness to make a real
speech. Rise to volunteer re-
marks in class. Take the lead
in introducing people and start
ing group-conversation in parties.
Join small discussion groups.
Make announcements at clubs" !"
This will help to prepare you
for practically painless public
speakings.
"The solution is a series OF sue
cessful attempts" DR.. Dickens
concludes. Every time you try
and succeed, you are that much
closer to poise."
If you feel you have failed, in
any attempt, don't take that too
seriously. Experiments prove that
often the speaker who feels shy
covers embarrassment well enough
to give the impression of self
confidence. Regardless, remind
yourself that each experience will
help next time.
Poise, in public speaking, is i'm
portant. During school this makes
it eaisier to talk yourself into
recognition as a good student and
leader. Later, speaking skill will
help you in business. social and
community ambitions.
Even after you learn how to
address a group, you might suffer
from mike fright" first time that
you are PACED to speak over a
mike" or appear on a radio
mr. televiSi0n program
The best mike" approach
varies with the particular sound
system; that is something to ask
about ahead. Here are some sug-
gestions from Herbert Farmer,
an audiovisual professor who di-
rects many students in correct
use of school public address sys-
TENS.
Don't get too close or use the
mike as a leaning post. To grasp
or clutch equipment can send out
some weird sound effects Stand
squarely. comfortably, about a
foot away facing the mike.
Don't tumble with pages or
notes. 1t takes an expert to handle
paper without dropping, shuf1ing,
rustling. The quietest way is to
float" each page to the floor after
use but that looks silly. with an
audience watching. 1t is more
efficient to jot notes on small
index-cards, which can be shifted
and tucked into pocket before
and after use.
Speak naturally in conversa-
tional tone. Assume that the sound
system will be regulated to use the
dynamic force and personality of
your voice to utmost advantage.
Just the thought of that frees you
to speak well, without strain. With
a sound system, it is not necessary
to shout" to the back row. Talk
naturally, without fixing attention
on any one listener. Keep your
eye rowing, casually. to check
group reactions. First signs of
widespread restlessness are late
cues that you have said enough
or should make a fresh effort to
renew interest.
Be conventional but not too for
NAL. After introduction, respond
with a friendly salute. The breezy
way, today. is to skip the titles
and pomb, and begin simply. It's
easy to start with: ITS pleasure
to have a chance to talk to you
about" That gets you into