COMMUNITY
“ Always bear in mind that public speaking is about finding one’s voice and allowing it to be heard!”
How to speak publicly with confidence Tag something as “public speaking” and it can instill fear in the best of us. Public speaking does not always mean taking centre stage before a class or audience, it can also be having a voice in your sports team or within your group of friends. RGS Head of English (Year 7 – 10) Ms Louise Heilbuth uncovers how we can speak publicly with clarity, confidence and conviction.
You break into a cold sweat, your hands are clammy, but your mouth is dry. Your heart rate has increased, you feel nauseous and dizzy at the same time. Your body shakes! Chances are that you are about to give a presentation to a group of peers, you have been asked to submit a podcast or vlog or you’ve been asked a question on a platform like Teams or Zoom.
Ms Louise Heilbuth
It is common knowledge that at least 75% of the Australian population fear public speaking – there is even a term for the extreme fear of public speaking – glossophobia! Public speaking, though, can be a powerful platform for you to lend your voice to pertinent issues, opinions and debate. At RGS, opportunities for public speaking abound. Across the curriculum, our young people have the freedom to express themselves in the form of class presentations, podcasts, vlogs, and online meetings. Most of the extensive competitions offered, have an element of speaking in front of others, whether it be managing a mathematical question or competing in Voice of Youth, the annual oratory competition
12 / THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPRICORNUS QUARTERLY
