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Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| Public speaking: a talent or a skill |
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| brother |
| 07/22/03 at 18:15:08 |
| Assalamu 'alaykum all my question is exactly what it says in the subject line. Public speaking: does it come naturaly or is it acquired over time? What can be done to sharpen it? |
| Re: Public speaking: a talent or a skill |
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| Nabila |
| 07/22/03 at 19:09:23 |
| [slm] It's both I suppose. I dont think the two are mutually exclusive - some people can just get up and say a few words off the cuff (or just blag their way thru it :D) but it can also most definately be learned - you have loads of books about how to do it right. Is there a reason you wanted to know? :) ma asalaamah and take care |
| Re: Public speaking: a talent or a skill |
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| brother |
| 07/22/03 at 19:42:31 |
| JazakAllah khairan sister [quote]Is there a reason you wanted to know?[/quote] Well, It is one of my weaknesses. and I know it can be a powerfull tool. There have been times when I was asked, all of a sudden to speak at friends wedding etc, and I just stood there stunned unable to speak. Even presentations at school. It kills me to go infront of a group of people. Specially when I don't know what I'm gonna say up there. I've gone better at it. I try not to look at people's faces or atleast not make eye contact, but still shiver when asked to speak to a crowd. [quote]you have loads of books about how to do it right.[/quote] Do books really help with such things? salamz |
| Re: Public speaking: a talent or a skill |
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| jannah |
| 07/22/03 at 20:38:56 |
| [wlm] You can definitely learn a lot about public speaking from a class, seminar or books. There is a skill to public speaking and it's interesting that some of the most renowned speakers in the world use many of the same techniques, if different styles. At least learning more about public speaking makes you more familiar with it. You can learn some techniques, ways to get over your fears, even the best ways to organize what you present. And this makes you less fearful and more prepared when you get up there. Then there is doing.. ease and even enjoyment of public speaking comes only after doing, doing and doing... |
| Re: Public speaking: a talent or a skill |
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| Trustworthy |
| 07/23/03 at 00:25:34 |
| [slm] It's both. I know some ppl who just whiz through and some ppl like myself, who has to prepare for it and even then I still get nervous. It's b/c I hate attention and I hate being in the spotlight. Junior High was when I realized my problem. I could get through it, no problem, but through it you'd think I was on one of those exercising machines that shakes your rump. My voice trembles. That's my only problem. I don't sweat or anything, but my voice shakes and madly sometimes. Practice, not by yourself but with a group of ppl. Ask questions in front of a group or make comments, etc just anything that gets you talking in front of ppl. Focusing or pretending they're in their undies, don't do justice. I couldn't do that even if I tried. It's just not right. But practice is the only advice I can give you that worked for me. Then it will eventually get better like me. I do fine now-sometimes.. Ma-asalaama.... |
| Re: Public speaking: a talent or a skill |
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| Nabila |
| 07/23/03 at 07:06:57 |
| [slm] They say a mirror helps to practise and time your speech. If you suspect youll be asked to say a few words at, say, a wedding, just quickly read up a few Hadith before you go and incorporate them into your best wishes for the couple. Speeches probably shouldnt be too long unless you have a really fascinating topic :D Just glance generally around at the audience, and do not make eye contact. A book could help - but maybe just get one book thats highly recommended (use www.amazon.com for finding out th best) then just use that, too many books will confuse. :) ma asalaamah and take care |
| Re: Public speaking: a talent or a skill |
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| Halima |
| 07/23/03 at 09:21:31 |
| It is both. It is talent and a gift when you born with it. It is becomes a skill when you work at it just as explained by sisters and brothers above. Besides working at it, you have to polish that skill till you become a natural. Best of luck! Halima |
| Re: Public speaking: a talent or a skill |
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| timbuktu |
| 07/23/03 at 20:16:53 |
| [slm] when one has this problem, practice is the answer. some of the greatest orators in history had to practice a lot. if i remember correctly, Churchill was one of those. if you are called upon at unexpected time to render a speech, then think ahead, & prepare for the eventualities. it means some extra work now, to organize your thoughts. if vocabulary is the problem, one has to work to increase it. & if, like me, you hate attending parties & functions, the answer lies in taking interest in people. guess this could qualify as "jihad-bin-nafs", as one is working against one's nature. |
| 07/23/03 at 20:18:20 |
| timbuktu |
| Re: Public speaking: a talent or a skill |
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| momineqbal |
| 07/24/03 at 00:48:39 |
| [slm], The dua of Musa (as) helps me ( Surah TaHa ayah 25-28 ) whenever I have to make presentations. I try to keep repeating it over and over on the day I have to make a presentation. Wassalam |
| 07/24/03 at 00:49:30 |
| momineqbal |
| Re: Public speaking: a talent or a skill |
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| zanfaz |
| 07/24/03 at 07:06:32 |
| [slm] Here's one article on public speaking from jannah.org. [url=http://www.jannah.org/articles/publicspeaking.html] 10 Tips For Successful Public Speaking[/url] |
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