Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking with TED Talks

Simple Better English. (2016). TED Talk 
Listening and Discussion [Online Image]
Retrieved from http://simplebetterenglish.com/ted/

Many people of all ages have anxiety with public speaking. It can be a true fear that people face in school as well as careers. However, TED Talks may be a solution. TED Talks are events that include a special speaker to speak to an audience about a topic that is unique to them. These are recorded and shared across the internet so everyone can access them. A specific TED Talk that provides helpful information on how to overcome public speaking anxiety is Why I live in mortal dread of public speaking by Megan Washington.

What is this TED Talk About?

This resource is based on Megan’s struggle with public speaking. She is a singer with a speech impediment. When she talks, she stutters but can overcome it by avoiding the letter combination ‘st’ since that is what she has the most trouble with. She then tricks her mind by changing her words at the last minute so she sings them rather than speaks and does not stutter.

Useful in the Classroom

Abrahams, M. (2016). How to Manage
Your Anxiety When Presenting
[Infographic] Retrieved from
http://stanford.io/1SLl45I

Using technology is an effective strategy to differentiate instruction for the 21st century learner. Showing a TED Talk like this one will provide students with a visual and verbal message that has important meaning. The resource is useful as it provides teachers with an inspirational message they can share with their students about public speaking. The speaker, Megan, demonstrates overcoming her fear and strategies she uses to speak with fluency. It also encourages an inclusive environment for students of all abilities.

Giving oral presentations is an important component so showing this video presents how someone with a stutter and fear of public speaking can overcome that with finding her own strategy that makes her feel comfortable. This will show the students someone else can find strategies that work for them so they can find strategies that work for each other and can feel comfortable giving oral presentations.

Curriculum Connection

Johnson, S. (2011, November 1).
Active Listening Poster [Online Image]
Retrieved from http://bit.ly/2fq0QXp

Listening

An overall expectation of teaching oral communication that can be addressed through this resource is listening in order to understand and respond appropriately. Students can also make inferences of the podcast to dissect the messages brought about them. Podcasts and TED Talks in general, are also a good way to utilize and test listening skills. Therefore, presenting and dissecting this TED Talk will test listening skills on how they interpret this resource.

There is also a TED Talk about 5 Ways to Listen Better which may be beneficial for students to interpret so they can be conscious of their own listening and try these suggested strategies. This TED Talk is also helpful for teachers so they can provide an effective listening environment for their students using the 5 strategies to their benefit. This may include creating a 3 minute period of silence so everyone can gather their thoughts and ready to be focused. 

Speaking

Another expectation that can be covered based on the content of Megan’s TED Talk is using different skills and strategies to communicate for a variety of audiences and purposes. Many individuals have anxiety with public speaking and others are self conscious with the way they speak. This TED Talk provides effective strategies people can use when public speaking which is key in the curriculum. It will help students brainstorm possible strategies they could use to effectively speak in the public.