How To Become A Master In The Art of Public Speaking (Part 1 of 2) | Eric Edmeades

Mindvalley Talks

18 Mar 201978:57

EducationalLearning

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TLDRIn this engaging talk, Eric Edmeades shares his journey from a fearful public speaker to a confident and impactful communicator. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, the power of speaking in personal and professional development, and offers practical tips for overcoming stage fright. Eric's anecdotes and insights demonstrate how embracing vulnerability and authenticity can transform the way we connect with audiences and enhance the quality of our lives.

Takeaways

🎤 Overcoming the fear of public speaking can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
📣 The power of storytelling is deeply ingrained in human DNA and can be leveraged for effective communication.
🚀 Embracing and practicing public speaking can multiply one's income and success in their career.
🌍 Public speaking anxiety is not innate but developed through negative social conditioning.
💡 Confidence in speaking can be cultivated by focusing on strategic objectives and not showing nervousness.
🌟 The stage effect is a powerful tool that can transform an individual's influence and opportunities.
🛑 Avoiding overtime in presentations respects the audience's time and maintains the event's schedule.
📌 Breathing deeply and using a soft gaze can help create a sense of safety and reduce anxiety before and during a talk.
😄 Starting a presentation with a predictable laugh can instantly connect with the audience and ease the speaker's nerves.
🎭 The importance of body language and physiological responses in influencing one's emotions and the perception of others.

Q & A

Why did Eric initially refuse to speak at the marketing conference in Poland?
-Eric initially refused because he was in the middle of a speaking tour in Europe and only had one day off to recharge, which was the same day he was asked to speak.
How did Eric's friends convince him to speak at the conference despite his initial refusal?
-Two of Eric's friends, who were involved with the conference or the marketing company, asked him as a personal favor, which eventually made him agree to speak.
What was the issue with the taxi that picked Eric up from his hotel?
-The taxi didn't know where to take Eric, which caused a delay and made him late to the conference.
Why was Eric frustrated when he arrived at the conference hall?
-Eric was frustrated because he had to be on stage in 20 minutes but didn't know where he had to go, and the registration area was not properly staffed to assist him.
What was the situation with the audience when Eric finally found the correct hall?
-The audience was scattered and very sparse, with only around 12 to 15 people present, which was disappointing for Eric as he had expected a larger turnout.
How did Eric handle the situation with the audience when he realized they were not paying attention?
-Eric decided to engage the audience by making a bold statement about the lack of attendees and challenging them to help fill the room, turning the situation into a more interactive and engaging experience.
What was the main lesson Eric learned from his experience speaking in Poland?
-Eric learned the importance of adapting to unexpected situations and applying the advice he would give to his students or clients, even when it's challenging or uncomfortable.
How does Eric describe the power of speaking and storytelling?
-Eric describes speaking and storytelling as one of the most powerful forces in society, capable of creating significant professional advantages and the potential to influence and transform people's lives.
What was the turning point for Eric in overcoming his fear of public speaking?
-The turning point for Eric was realizing that he needed to practice what he preached and that if he advised his students or clients to do something, he should also do it himself.
What was the significance of the story Eric told about the white rhinos?
-The story about the white rhinos was used to illustrate the importance of staying calm and not running away from fear, as well as the power of sharing stories around the 'campfire' for survival and learning.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ The Reluctant Speaker

The speaker recounts being persuaded to speak at a marketing conference in Poland despite his initial refusal due to a busy schedule. After agreeing due to pressure from friends, he faces a series of mishaps including transportation issues and disorganization at the conference, leading to a sense of regret and questioning of his decision to do the favor.

05:00

🎤 The Unexpected Stage

Upon arriving at the conference, the speaker is surprised to find only a few people in the audience and no one to guide him. Despite the chaotic situation, he decides to speak, reflecting on what he would advise a student in his position and deciding to follow his own advice. He engages the audience with humor and honesty, acknowledging the lack of attendees and setting the stage for his speech.

10:00

🍏 The Power of Stories

The speaker discusses the transformative power of stories from personal experiences, emphasizing their impact on health and relationships. He highlights the influence of the food industry on our relationship with food and his mission to counteract it. He also stresses the importance of effective communication, sharing his passion for teaching others to express themselves persuasively and influentially.

15:02

🔥 The Fear of Public Speaking

The speaker delves into the common fear of public speaking, exploring its origins and the impact of societal conditioning on children's confidence. He shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how fear can be overcome and transformed into a powerful tool for communication. He emphasizes that no one is born afraid of public speaking and encourages embracing the opportunity to share ideas.

20:02

🌟 The Stage Effect

The speaker discusses the 'stage effect,' explaining how storytelling around a metaphorical fire has been crucial for survival and thriving throughout human history. He connects this ancient tradition to the power of speeches and oration in modern society, highlighting their role in political and social revolutions. He argues that speaking is one of the most powerful forces in society and can provide a significant advantage in professional life.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Public Speaking

Public speaking is the act of addressing an audience, typically on a specific topic. In the context of the video, it is a central theme as the speaker shares his experiences and challenges related to speaking in front of an audience, emphasizing the importance of overcoming fear and nervousness to effectively communicate and influence others.

💡Fear

Fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat or danger. In the video, the speaker discusses his personal fear of public speaking, which he describes as a common obstacle for many individuals. He suggests that this fear is learned and can be unlearned through practice and mindset shifts.

💡Influence

Influence refers to the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. In the video, the speaker talks about the power of speaking as a means to create influence, both in personal and professional contexts.

💡Marketing

Marketing is the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising. The speaker discusses the evolution of marketing from traditional methods to a more personalized and thoughtful approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the target audience's needs and desires.

💡Personal Growth

Personal growth refers to the process of improving one's character, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, social skills, and overall well-being. In the video, the speaker shares his journey from being terrified of public speaking to becoming a confident and effective communicator, highlighting the importance of personal growth in overcoming fears and achieving success.

💡Mindvalley

Mindvalley is a personal growth and learning platform that hosts events like A-Fest and provides various courses and resources for self-improvement. In the video, the speaker discusses his goal of speaking at A-Fest, a Mindvalley event, as part of his strategy to expand his influence and reach in the personal growth space.

💡Strategic Objectives

Strategic objectives are specific, long-term goals that guide the planning and decision-making processes of an individual or organization. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having clear objectives before communicating, especially when speaking publicly, to ensure a focused and impactful message.

💡Bio-hacking

Bio-hacking refers to the practice of optimizing one's body and mind through various methods, often involving lifestyle changes and the use of technology. In the video, the speaker mentions bio-hacking as an area of interest for Vishen, the founder of Mindvalley, which the speaker uses as an opportunity to connect and provide value by discussing related topics in his talk.

💡Cortisol and Adrenaline

Cortisol and adrenaline are hormones that play a significant role in the body's stress response. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses how the production of these hormones can trigger a fight-or-flight response, leading to feelings of fear and nervousness, particularly when speaking publicly.

💡Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a relaxation technique that involves slow, full breaths, often used to reduce stress and promote calmness. In the video, the speaker suggests using deep breathing as a method to signal to the body that the environment is safe, thereby reducing feelings of nervousness and fear before and during public speaking.

💡A-Fest

A-Fest is an annual event hosted by Mindvalley, focusing on personal growth, learning, and community building. It is a gathering for individuals interested in self-improvement, wellness, and entrepreneurship. In the video, the speaker shares his experience of speaking at A-Fest and how it was a significant milestone in his journey to becoming a confident public speaker.

Highlights

Speaker shares a personal anecdote of being asked to speak at a marketing conference in Poland by friends.

Despite initial reluctance and a tight schedule, the speaker agrees to speak at the conference as a favor to friends.

The speaker experiences a series of mishaps leading up to the event, including transportation issues and a disorganized venue.

Upon arrival, the speaker finds the conference hall nearly empty, with a scattered audience and another speaker already on stage.

The speaker decides to engage with the audience by proposing a playful and interactive activity to fill the room.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of storytelling in communication and its impact on human history and relationships.

The speaker discusses the profound influence of public speaking on personal and professional life, and how it can outweigh other advantages.

Fear of public speaking is not innate but developed through negative social conditioning, according to the speaker.

The speaker shares a personal story of overcoming the fear of public speaking and how it transformed his life and career.

The speaker highlights the power of speaking as a tool for influence and change, citing historical examples like President Roosevelt.

The speaker proposes an interactive game with the audience, demonstrating the effectiveness of engagement in communication.

The speaker discusses the impact of body language and physiology on emotions, particularly in the context of fear and public speaking.

The speaker shares insights on how to convert nervous energy into excitement and effectively use it to enhance public speaking.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and preparation in communication, rather than relying on improvisation.

The speaker provides advice on how to handle unexpected situations on stage, such as finding out the audience's interests and tailoring the talk accordingly.

The speaker shares personal experiences of using public speaking to achieve significant career milestones and business opportunities.

The speaker concludes with a powerful message on the transformative potential of overcoming the fear of public speaking and embracing it as a tool for success.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

Public Speaking Personal Growth Eric Edmeades Marketing Conference Poland Storytelling Networking Professional Tips Audience Engagement Speech Anxiety