How big a crowd do you want?
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In the work I do I often get the privilege of chattering to young people about public speaking. Some might say that I am an accomplished public speaker, and I certainly have had heaps of experience and enjoy myself - albeit I am still learning and regularly attend my local Toastmaster group.
But - the point is, young people get more nervous when they think of talking before a larger crowd - a year level assembly at school for example.
BUT - as Adam McLane points out - size does matter:
Some people are geared for large groups. They just are. I’ve been in youth ministry long enough to know that I am most comfortable doing a talk when there are 30-250 students. I can’t really explain it but I tend to get more nervous leading a small group of 4-5 than when there are bucket loads. So in that case size matters to me.
For me, I love any size, but one thing is for sure - the smaller the crowd the harder the gig.
I began speaking publicly in small classes of about 15-20 people and was crazy nervous. Shortly thereafter I began speaking and acting in front of classes and crowds of anywhere from 25-100. I was less nervous as the crowds got larger.
I am now a pastor of a youth group that started off having 3 students and now has 12 on a good night. The smaller classes/crowds have an intimacy of sorts which seems harder to disconnect from. You just feel more vulnerable because it feels more personal.
That’s my take anyhow.
March 27th, 2008 at 4:16 am