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Originally Posted by Blarg  PerDev, it looks to me like you should do some intensive work on your English. Whether written or spoken, well-used language well creates an automatic credibility. You don't have to be a fancy or beautiful writer, but elementary mistakes will be no friend to you. A polished presentation, however, will always be a strong asset, even if your presentation style is quite simple and direct. |
Wise words Blarg! There's much more to public speaking than standing up in public and... well, speaking. PerDev, you also mentioned speaking in public would help in other areas of your life. A stage isn't a good place for therapy or to seek out your own answers. It's not about you - it's about the audience and the people who have paid your fee (A common misunderstanding amongst beginning speakers!). If there's areas of your life you feel need working on then go for it - but I'd recommend not doing it under a spotlight.
Get in touch with your local Toastmasters, or if there isn't one local see about starting up your own group. This would be the best way to try out speaking and to hone your skills. If you want to present, you'll have to get in front of an audience at some point, but I know you'll enjoy it more if you do so with some training an constructive feedback under your belt.
Presenting/speaking isn't as easy as it looks - it's just that the really great speakers make it look easy. It's highly skilled, and there's so much more going on below the surface that makes the speaker look like he/she isn't putting effort into it. If you don't know your subject inside out, if you can't get in front of any audience at the drop of a hat and speak, if you can't present with skill and authority - you have no place on a stage.
I don't want to sound overly harsh - I'd just like to save you the embarrassment of getting in front of an audience to find out that presenting is actually a lot harder than it looks!