communication

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Persuasive Speech Outline: Monroe’s Motivated Sequence (MMS)

Fear of Public Speaking by Susan Dudale

General goal: To persuade

Specific goal: I want to encourage people in the audience to take a course to overcome their fear of public speaking.

Step one - Attention

Do you know the real costs of public speaking fear? The price is high. Research reveals that a person with public speaking fear is 10% less likely to graduate from college, is likely to receive 10% less in wages and is 15% less likely to take on management or leadership positions. Who pays? Us. You. Me. Anybody who allows fear to govern their decision making. We pay by sacrificing our potential selves, putting our dreams away, and settling for less. Why? Credibility statement

That’s a question I asked myself a long time ago. As a teacher with many years of experience I saw far too many students who would do anything they could to avoid public speaking. To answer it I researched. Then I used those answers to devise public speaking programs that were effective and fun.

Transition - the link from step 1 to step 2

Can you imagine the positive impact feeling OK about speaking up would have? On individuals? On families? On our community?

Step two – Need

A. According to Hamilton (2018), 75% of people suffer from some degree of glossophobia - fear of speaking in public. 1. At the extreme upper end of this very large group are the people who would literally run a

mile rather than speak. For example, they will not apply for promotions if the new position means giving presentations. They will not give a speech at a special family occasion - a wedding, birthday or funeral. Public speaking makes them ill, literally. There may be quite a few of you here, so you’ll know exactly what I mean.

2. At the other end of the scale are the people who have one or two butterflies fluttering around – enough to make them register they’re a little nervous about speaking but it’s

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nothing to worry about. There’s likely not so many of you here. If you have come along, it’s probably to support someone who needs it! Thank you.

B. Begins in youth. 1. “The fear of public speaking is more common in younger patients as compared to older

ones and may be more prevalent in females as compared to males,” says Jeffrey R. Strawn, associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics and director of the Anxiety Disorders Research Program in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati.

2. More than 75% of people experience their first symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder which often includes fear of public speaking during their childhood or early teenage years - American Psychiatric Association. (2014). Understanding Mental Disorders

Transition - the link between step 2 and step 3

However there is a way to break this pattern of anxiety. It can be stopped, and everyone who wants to can learn to speak in public confidently.

Step three - Satisfaction

A. Come along to an introductory course 1. It's free, led by experienced teachers and especially designed for people with a history of

being nervous about speaking in public. 2. Once a week for 4 weeks you'll have 2 hours of practical public speaking training and

practice. 3. You'll learn tips and tricks to manage your anxiety, to give varying types of presentations,

to effectively structure a speech, and to confidently deliver a speech.

Transition - the link between step 3 and step 4

Can you imagine the positive impact that would have on people’s lives? Maybe yours?

Step four -Visualization

A. Imagine what society would be like if everyone took full advantage of the educational opportunities that best fitted their interests and abilities. How would that feel? 1. There would be much less personal dissatisfaction and social unrest caused by people

working in positions that do not pay very well or extend their skills and wellbeing. That would be much healthier: physically, emotionally and mentally, for everybody. You could ask for a raise! Apply for that job you always wanted! Give a presentation! Toast your bride!

B. What disadvantages could there possibly be? 1. Perhaps it could uncomfortable for those who have got used to assuming the right to talk

for others without consultation. Is that really a bad thing? 2. Perhaps it could lead to robust conversations where there are differing opinions over

issues? Again, is that a bad thing? It could be an opportunity to polish debating skills.

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Transition - the link from step 4 to step 5

Let’s do more than imagine speaking in public freely and competently. Let’s take the steps towards making it happen.

Step five – Action

A. (Summary) Apparently 3/4 of us – 75%, are nervous about public speaking – often the result of a bad experience when we’re young. That has a direct impact on our adult lives. If we allow it to continue it is likely we will be paid less, fall out of college without graduating and settle for less-challenging jobs. In short – live a lesser life. However, it doesn’t have to be like that. We could choose to change. We could become our bigger and best selves. B. (Memorable Close) Who knows what magic may happen once you speak up! There are 15 places available. Make one of them yours. References Black, R. (2018, June 4) Glossophobia (Fear of Public Speaking): Are You

Glossophobic? Retrieved from https://www.psycom.net/glossophobia-fear-of-public- speaking

Franklin, S. (2005) Social Anxiety Disorder. Retrieved from http://www.columbia.edu/itc/hs/medical/psychmed2/3_2005/Schneier- SocialAnxietyDisorderBW.pdf