After listening to a long speech of commendation, Hiser rose to acknowledge this praise. But the king pulled him back. "Oh, don't get up. I have provided an orator for you. In Polynesia we don't believe that public speaking should be engaged in by amateurs." Whatever you feel about the sophistication of Polynesian civilization, public speaking is one area where they are further advanced than we are.

If you have had to sit through a speech with little content, poorly delivered by a nervous speaker, you know how uncomfortable the audience feels. Each of us would like to be looked upon as competent, reliable, informed. We would like to be perceived as qualified and intelligent. Many times we ask ourselves: Are other people really smarter or more decisive and intelligent than we are? Or do they seem that way because they present themselves and their ideas more effectively? Because no matter how creative we are, no matter how many problems we can solve, our ideas are only as valuable as our ability to express them and to persuade others to act upon them.

It is said that if we are able to get up and express our ideas, we are considered expert. And if we are able to do it well, we are considered a leader. Public speaking is the tool of leaders in professional life and in community activities. Leaders are expected to speak well, to articulate ideas when asked, preparation or no preparation. It is expected. They have the courage to get up in front of a group and have their ideas judged.

Public speaking is not an end in itself, for speaking is simply a vehicle for achieving results. There is an objective we wish to accomplish: to sell a product or a service, to pass on information, to persuade the whole department or a small gathering to do something. We would like to have what we say matter. To have others accept our ideas. To remember what we say and respond the way we want them to regardless of the situation.

Typically, I will receive a phone call from a client. "Jan, I have to give a speech next week to 60 people. I would like to hire you to help me." Translated, the tone of voice really says, "I have been condemned to die at 7:45 p.m. next Thursday. Can you make it less painful?"

Change that phone call to, "Jan, I have an opportunity to have the attention of 60 people for a full hour next week. I have something worthwhile to say to them that will be of value. I want to communicate my ideas the best way that I can. When can we get started?"

Public speaking is not a battle with the people in the audience. They are not your executioners. They want you to succeed.