Students in American schools learn from an early age to give presentations as part of their regular classroom activities. Children as young as five years old often give (1) talks about objects they bring in to school - called "show and tell," this training is a basis for later public speaking.
Even so, many native English-speaking adults are afraid to speak or give presentations in front of a large group. There is a large industry of consultants who (2) professionals in public speaking.
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld said the most common fear people have is public speaking. The second most common fear is death. He made a joke about this. He said,
"I saw a thing, actually a study that said: speaking in front of a (3) is considered the number one fear of the average person. I found that amazing.
Number two, was death. Death is number two? This means, to the average person, if you have to be at a (4) , you would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy."
Speaking English in public meetings is necessary for many students and employees. The best way to improve is to practice public speaking in a friendly environment. Learners need to receive (5) about what they are doing well and about their mistakes. One group that gives members the chance to practice is Toastmasters.
Toastmasters is an international organization that holds weekly meetings. At the meetings, members each give a speech and give others advice about their speeches and speaking style.
Charles LeBeau is a public speaking professor and consultant. He began his career in Japan in 1982. Currently, he teaches at two universities and at the Toshiba International Training Center. He has also written books on the (6) .
English language learners around the world use his book Speaking of Speech.
Mr. LeBeau says that students in other cultures may not have the chance to practice public speaking as young children. When they reach the college level, or enter their career, they need to present well in English. Many careers require public speaking skills.
"In Japan now, most students need to do presentations in many of their classes. The other area is professionally. Whatever profession those students are in, or are going to be in, presentations are going to be an important part of it. So for example, if they're going to be in sales, presentation is an important part of sales. If they are going to be a teacher, it's an important part of being a teacher. If they are going to be in the tourism (7) , it's an important part of that. (8) , in almost all kinds of work there's some opportunity to do a presentation."
Speaking of Speech tells about a method of teaching public speaking for non-native speakers. Mr. LeBeau says a simple (9) helps English learners.
So, the professor (10) public speaking into three parts: the physical message, the visual message, and the story message.