Chris Hill, On Public Speaking

October 12, 2010

Public speaking is a word often equated with sweaty palms, a rapid heartbeat, and shaky hands, among many other unsettling feelings. “Will they like me?” and “What if they judge me?” are two thoughts that Chris Hill, CEO of Hillside Communications, said are quite common for anyone facing a public speaking presentation. 

At last Tuesday night’s PLC Freshman lecture, Hill offered students ways to counter those fears and conquer their public speaking phobias.

Hill emphasized the importance of simplicity while giving a speech—“less is more,” he told the group.  He also urged the class to remember that eye contact is the most important element to a speech. At Hill’s urging, freshman PLCer’s were eager to show off their public speaking skills and several jumped to the front of the 50-person lecture to deliver impromptu speeches to the class.

Alexis Scobie, first year student and former member of her high school’s debate team, gave a speech on her love of desserts—while managing to employ many of the indispensable skills as taught by Hill.

PLC first years will have an opportunity to practice their public speaking skills during next week’s lecture tonight, Tuesday, October 12th, while performing a 2-4 minute speech on a topic chosen entirely on their own.

[Posted by Audrey Hoffman, PLC 2010]