Public Speaking Globalized

            Public speaking is something a lot of us don’t really enjoy, and in fact many people are afraid of speaking in public.  The majority of society has some form of anxiety or nervousness associated with the thought of public speaking, but we understand that it is not the end of the world.  Right around 10% of people really look forward to getting up on stage and discussing whatever message they are trying to convey.  Another 10% or so are truly petrified at the thought of publically speaking, and they will do anything within their power to avoid it at all costs (Morgan, 2011).  As described in the article Why We Fear Public Speaking And How To Overcome It, it is important for the communicator to recognize and train themselves to handle the adrenaline rush that comes with public speaking.  Which brings me to my next point, and that is the fact that public speaking has become public broadcasting with modern technologies.  This is exceptionally true about people that are seen as important to society.  Nearly everything politicians, entertainers, or sports stars say is immediately picked apart by the media and we see different examples of it every day.  A lot of these people don’t want to speak much either as is the case with Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch.  They are expected to interact with the fans though, and it can actually lead to repercussions if they fail to speak with the media.  Lynch actually referred to this in one of his more infamous interviews, and it has over 2 million views on YouTube.             

Public speaking is not a simple town hall meeting anymore though, because technology can take any speech and globalize it through social media or other digital platforms.  So this means any time a communicator is getting ready to present some information, they have to prepare for millions of viewers on an international scale.  Up until humans harnessed electricity, the viewing audience could only be several hundred or potentially a few thousand audience members.  Communicators have to be able to do a lot more than simply give a speech to boot.  They need to be well-versed with the Internet and other digital platforms, as they have to touch base with their fans through each medium.  Ronn Torossian, Founder and CEO of 5W Public Relations, advises public figures to leave some mistakes alone, as it shows that public figures are human after all.  His article, 10 Tips For Public Figures On Managing Social Media also explains that people of importance need to remain active when responding to negativity, and also to apologize when needed (Torossian, 2015).  Communicators should have minimal trouble if they remain ethical and respectful while they convey their messages though the Internet.  Even many speeches have taken a back seat to technology, as some presenters use teleprompters so they can read their speech while keeping eye contact with the audience.  Communicators of today have to really blend a solid traditional skill set with an invigorated thirst for technology in order to truly reach full potential.

References

Morgan, N. (2011, March 30). Why We Fear Public Speaking And How To Overcome It: Forbes Website. Retrieved from Forbes Website: http://www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorgan/2011/03/30/why-we-fear-public-speaking-and-how-to-overcome-it/#2715e4857a0b30432796ea43

Torossian, R. (2015, April 15). 10 Tips For Public Figures On Managing Social Media: LinkedIn Website. Retrieved from LinkedIn Website: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-tips-public-figures-managing-social-media-ronn-torossian-5wpr-ceo