The best speakers know enough to be scared…the only difference between the pros and the novices is that the pros have trained the butterflies to fly in formation.
Interpretation
True confidence comes from preparation and practice, even in the face of fear.
This quote highlights the idea that fear is a common experience for everyone, including skilled speakers. The distinction between experienced speakers and novices lies in the ability of the former to manage their fear through preparation and practice, allowing their anxiety to be transformed into a structured performance rather than a hindrance.
In practice
This quote could be shared during a public speaking workshop to encourage participants.
We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse, and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it, and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.
Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices - just recognize them.
One of the basic troubles with radio and television news is that both instruments have grown up as an incompatible combination of show business, advertising and news. Each of the three is a rather bizarre and demanding profession. And when you get all three under one roof, the dust never settles.
Speaking of Sir Winston Churchill: He mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.
We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.
The speed of communications is wondrous to behold. It is also true that speed can multiply the distribution of information that we know to be untrue.
Confidence is going after Moby Dick in a rowboat and taking tartar sauce with you.
I feel like every day, every minute I have to make the most of.
The basis of persistence is the Power of Will.
Progress begins with the belief that what is necessary is possible.
The only thing keeping you from what you want is your story about why you can't have it.
The competitive advantages the marketplace demands is someone more human, connected, and mature. Someone with passion and energy, capable of seeing things as they are and negotiating multiple priorities as she makes useful decisions without angst. Flexible in the face of change, resilient in the face of confusion. All of these attributes are choices, not talents, and all of them are available to you.
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