Resources - Get Started Here - Public Speaking - Burgess Library at Spartanburg Methodist College

Videos, Websites, and More to Help you Get Started

Image 8 of 10 Learn how to overcome anxiety, tips for public speaking, and more in the videos listed below. You may need to login with your SMC email and password to view the videos. Also, check out the other resources shared here. Need to practice? The library staff would love to hear your speech!

Photo from:
“THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PUBLIC SPEAKING.” Handy Answer: The Handy Communication Answer Book, by Lauren Sergy, 1st ed., Visible Ink Press, 2017. Credo Reference, https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6NDMyMzQyOA==?aid=101305.

4 Ways to Overcome Speaking Anxiety
In this video psychologists Eve Ash and Peter Quarry provide a range of strategies to manage public speaking anxiety. The best coping strategies will be different for each person. You can learn strategies to manage anxiety in both the lead up to the presentation and the day of the presentation or talk.
What Does It Mean to Win an Argument
Mehdi Hasan has made a career out of doing just that. In his book Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking, he seeks to sharpen those skills among its readers and relay the intrinsic value—and pleasure—of debate. In this conversation, Open to Debate host John Donvan discusses with Hasan the tricks of the trade, the fun of debating, and how to root out truths through argument.
Relaxation for Public Speaking
Learn how to calm your nerves before you take the stage.
The Public Speaking Project (YouTube video)
Free online videos covering speech structure, delivery, and anxiety reduction.

The Science of Stage Fright - the video below explores the psysiological responses to stage fright and methods to overcome it.

Eliminate Filler Words | Jerome Chamber of Commerce

National Speech and Debate Association
Use the search (magnifying glass) and type oratory, informative, or extemp to get videos that will be the most helpful.
Ummmm - How do Eliminate Filler Words
So, like, how can I, um, clean up my speech?
Offers practical tips to reduce filler words and speak more clearly.
Common Speaker Pitfalls
An article by Craig Valentine, posted on the Toastmaster International magazine site.
Dealing with a Distracted Audience
Great tips by by Tim Cigelske posted on the Toastmaster International magazine site.
10 Tips for Improving Public Speaking
Few are immune to the fear of public speaking. Marjorie North offers 10 tips for speakers to calm the nerves and deliverable memorable orations.
How to keep fear of public speaking at bay
Offers strategies to manage and reduce stage fright.

American Rhetoric
Database of and index to 5000+ full text, audio, and video versions of public speeches, sermons, legal proceedings, lectures, debates, interviews, and other recorded media events.
History Channel Famous Speeches
This page offers a curated collection of significant historical speeches, featuring both audio recordings and contextual information. It serves as a valuable resource for exploring pivotal moments and influential voices in history.
Say It Plain, Say It Loud
Public speech making has played a powerful role in the long struggle by African Americans for equal rights. This collection, for the ear and the eye, highlights speeches by an eclectic mix of black leaders. Their impassioned, eloquent words continue to affect the ideas of a nation and the direction of history.
Great Talks Most People Have Never Heard
"Great Talks Most People Have Never Heard" is a curated collection by James Clear featuring insightful yet lesser-known speeches on creativity, leadership, and personal development.