People routinely interrupt me when I'm speaking in a group. Why does this happen, and how can I stop it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 18, 2009 - 37 answers

Looking for a discreet audio recording device (not one of the typical voice memo recording sticks you get at radio shack, this must be discreet). I am a public speaker at my company and I typically speak at multiple meetings per day, with no time to take notes for follow-up questions. I need a stand-alone audio recorder that is discreet (wrist watch, pen, etc.) and that can handle at least 8 hours of recording on 1 charge / 1 set of batteries. [more inside]
posted by thankyoumuchly on Oct 19, 2009 - 19 answers

I need some techniques to help me get through a relatively heartfelt wedding speech without crying like a big ol' baby... [more inside]
posted by Del Chimney on Oct 5, 2009 - 17 answers

Giving a speech filter: IS there any online service or program that you can put in a block of text and it will tell approximately you how long it'll take to read it out loud? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 on Sep 10, 2009 - 13 answers

I have a horrible stutter which just came to my attention about a week ago. Not only is "uh" my favorite word but I repeat myself a lot. Help me, oh hivemind, to learn how to fix this problem. Written and audio examples inside. [more inside]
posted by Pseudology on Sep 7, 2009 - 17 answers

Public Speaking Filter: I've been asked to speak in front of a very large group at a public rally tomorrow. I'm excited, but I've never done this before. Help! [more inside]
posted by inatizzy on Aug 29, 2009 - 29 answers

I had a potentially damaging lapse of ability at work today and need some advice on how to keep it from happening ever again. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 19, 2009 - 21 answers

How can I get myself invited to speak on panels at conferences? [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky on Feb 5, 2009 - 12 answers

How do inspirational/motivational/informational speakers get started? [more inside]
posted by explosion on Dec 9, 2008 - 5 answers

I have an job interview in three days at a large public university medical center in the U.S. As the job has a public speaking component, they are asking all the candidates to give a 3-5 minute presentation on a technology or academia topic. How should I handle this? [more inside]
posted by playmobil on Oct 3, 2008 - 3 answers

What do you think about Kansans? What are the stereotypes? [more inside]
posted by metricfan on Sep 19, 2008 - 43 answers

Please recommend a public speaking workshop in Toronto. [more inside]
posted by BeaverTerror on Aug 1, 2008 - 4 answers

How do I give an effective presentation without Powerpoint? [more inside]
posted by valleys on Jul 26, 2008 - 21 answers

What is a workshop? I have been giving public speeches at conferences and the like for years, but occasionally I am asked to give a workshop and I'm not sure what one is or how to do one under the specific circumstances that I am often in. [more inside]
posted by jessamyn on Feb 9, 2008 - 28 answers

[ConversationFilter] Me no speaky so good no more. Please help! [more inside]
posted by willie11 on Jan 19, 2008 - 26 answers

How do I survive a presentation-laden semester w/ social-anxiety? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 14, 2008 - 15 answers

I've been invited to speak at an event - for an entire hour. How can I keep the audience awake? [more inside]
posted by so_necessary on Jan 9, 2008 - 21 answers

The regents of my university want to redevelop the land holding the student apartments where I live. There's a public meeting on the subject this Friday and I've signed up to speak. I'm fine with speaking in public, but I'm clueless about participating in local politics — never gone to a school board meeting or called my congressperson or anything. What can I do to make my comments as effective as possible?
posted by nebulawindphone on Nov 7, 2007 - 17 answers

How do I get over my fear of speaking in public... in a foreign language? I can barely function when speaking in my second language, partially because of this fear. [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet on Nov 6, 2007 - 14 answers

I'm looking for tips and tricks to ease public speaking anxiety in a former stutterer. Please help! [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 28, 2007 - 11 answers

What are some of the leading books/online seminars/workshops/etc. for learning great presentation skills? [more inside]
posted by undercoverhuwaaah on Jul 2, 2007 - 6 answers

I'm generally a fairly confident guy. I write well. I can carry on an intelligent conversation. I'm a salesman by training. I acted on stage in high school. In college I could deliver (and enjoy) speeches of all sorts. I can even hold my own when interviewed for the newspaper or for a podcast. But when it comes to speaking on live radio, I'm a nervous wreck. What can I do to improve? [more inside]
posted by jdroth on Feb 1, 2007 - 18 answers

Are there any pro or amateur actors out there who can recommend some good books (or sites) on acting or public speaking? [more inside]
posted by papakwanz on Jan 28, 2007 - 16 answers

How do I give the best instructional presentation ever? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 15, 2006 - 13 answers

Any online repository where one could find future speaking engagements in one place? [more inside]
posted by Izzmeister on Jun 28, 2006 - 1 answer

I've been asked to fill in for someone at a workshop. Problem is that I've never led a workshop, at a conference or otherwise. What are some pointers and tips on how I can be successful while making it interesting and informative for the audience? [more inside]
posted by mutantdisco! on Jun 20, 2006 - 10 answers

I'm speaking on a panel at a tech conference tomorrow for the first time. I'm nervous. Any last-minute suggestions or advice for preparing for a 1.5 hour moderated discussion in front of a big crowd? [more inside]
posted by waxpancake on Dec 5, 2005 - 19 answers

Help! I am the Best Man in a wedding on Saturday. I understand I am expected to give a speach/toast at some point. Problem is, the last time I was at a wedding I was 10 years-old. I have no idea what kind of speech or toast the Best Man gives... What is traditional of the Best Man's speech, when is it given, etc....
posted by Steve_at_Linnwood on Jun 7, 2005 - 16 answers

Questioning the relevance of Toastmasters International, what is a good way to refine personal speaking?
posted by the fire you left me on Sep 14, 2004 - 5 answers

I need some advice on how to present myself well on television. It seems that this has become a (very unwelcome) side effect of my current job [details thither...] [more inside]
posted by contessa on Jan 6, 2004 - 15 answers

Does anybody know of alternative ways to get over an extremely irrational fear of public speaking/presenting?
[more inside]. [more inside]
posted by repoman on Jan 3, 2004 - 21 answers