public speaking tips Quotes

Only the prepared speaker deserves to be confident.

It's never fun to be scared [about stage fright] but I think that it is important and it's healthy to always push yourself.

Never say anything in a national campaign that anyone might remember.

I've discovered I prefer to prepare a few notes or actually write the speech so I can really hone it down to hopefully be entertaining, try and get a laugh at least by the second line, and then say what you need to say.

I don't do much public speaking. I did a lot of stuff for Bones, and then ended up having said yes to a lot of things that kept me on the road for a while for that, but then I pretty much stopped. I'm touring for this book, but when the tour is done, that'll be the end of it.

The distance thing is partially due to the fact that I'm pretty shy and I've struggled with extreme stage fright in the past. So I just have to go onstage in a different head space so I'm not as self-aware.

It's essential that you make eye contact with your audience. You've got to know what's happening out there.

Ah, the first rule of public speaking -- always start with a joke.

It's been a moment since I've done some public speaking. I find now-a-days it's best to keep quiet.

Being nervous, first of all, puts you at a distinct disadvantage, and if you've really prepared and if you've really thought through how to start the conversation, things start to fall into place. There are other things I get nervous about, but not that.

To remain silent is the most useful service that a mediocre speaker can render to the public good.