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GST 101/111 Lecture Note
Topic: Public Speaking: The Basics and Overcoming Stage Fright.
Today at FreshNote, we’re going to talk about something many of us have experienced but rarely want to admit — public speaking, and more importantly, stage fright. If the idea of standing in front of a crowd makes your palms sweat or your heart race, you’re not alone. Even seasoned speakers still get nervous. The good news? It’s completely normal, and it can be managed.
Let’s take this step by step.
What is Public Speaking?
Public speaking simply refers to the act of delivering a speech or presentation in front of an audience. This could be during a class presentation, a seminar, a church gathering, or even during an NYSC camp talent show. Any time you’re addressing a group of people, that’s public speaking.
Key purposes of public speaking:
- To inform
- To persuade
- To entertain
- To motivate
No matter the goal, your effectiveness depends on your ability to communicate clearly and confidently.
Basic Elements of Public Speaking
Let me break this down into five basic elements:
- Speaker – That’s you. The person delivering the message.
- Message – What you’re trying to say. This could be your main idea or key points.
- Audience – The people listening to you. Understanding them helps you shape your message.
- Medium/Channel – Are you speaking face-to-face, using a mic, or presenting online?
- Feedback – How your audience reacts. Are they nodding, confused, or bored?
Mastering public speaking means balancing all five.
Public Speaking Basics You Should Practice
Now let’s talk about what you should work on when preparing for any kind of speech:
- Know your audience – Don’t talk to a group of secondary school students the way you would talk to university lecturers.
- Organize your content – Have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Use simple, clear language – Don’t impress with big words; communicate instead.
- Maintain eye contact – This builds connection and trust.
- Use body language – Stand straight, use your hands purposefully, and avoid pacing unnecessarily.
- Practice, practice, practice – The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll become
What is Stage Fright?
Stage fright, also known as performance anxiety, is the fear or nervousness you feel before or during a presentation. It can show up as:
- Sweaty palms
- Dry mouth
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shaking hands or legs
- Blank mind
And guess what? Even experienced speakers get stage fright. The difference is that they’ve learned how to manage it, not avoid it.
How to Overcome Stage Fright
Let me share some practical ways to beat stage fright:
-
Be Prepared
Confidence comes from preparation. Know your content so well that you could present it even if the power goes out. -
Practice Aloud
Don’t just read your notes silently. Say it out loud — to your mirror, your roommate, or even record yourself. -
Breathe Deeply
Before you go up, take deep, slow breaths. It calms your nerves and slows your heartbeat. -
Arrive Early
Get comfortable with the venue. Familiarity reduces anxiety. -
Visualize Success
Picture yourself giving the speech successfully — confident, calm, and clear. This helps your brain reframe the fear. -
Focus on the Message, Not Yourself
Remember: it’s not about you, it’s about what you’re sharing. Shift your focus from yourself to your audience. -
Start Strong, End Strong
Nail your first few lines. Once you get going, it gets easier.
Public speaking is a skill — not a talent. That means you can learn and improve with time. Don’t wait until final year to practice. Start now. Whether it’s a class presentation, a student union meeting, or leading a group discussion, take the chance to speak up.
And always remember this: nobody in the audience wants you to fail. They’re rooting for you. So speak your truth, speak it well, and speak it often.
Class Activity (Optional):
- Pair up and give a 2-minute speech on your favorite food, hobby, or course of study. Your partner gives you feedback on your clarity, body language, and confidence.