First hand accounts of people just like you, who were able to progress from terrified to confident with a consistent effort in manageable steps.
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Hey, Charles,
While doing this psychiatry elective in Halifax, Nova Scotia, I volunteered to do a "Lunch and Learn" presentation to a group of psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers. Volunteering to do a presentation on my volition is something I would have never done before your class....presentations were typically something done under extreme necessity. I prepared a power point presentation on "Commonly Abused Legal Substances" given to a room of about 17 health professionals....(a tough crowd to impress when doing medical presentations)...and I nailed it. It went great. All the skills I learned in your class were second nature, and it all just clicked. Thanks for all your help in my ongoing journey towards becoming a better public speaker.
Roshan Hegde 07-25-10
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I'm now on the lecture circuit NY, Boston and Toronto (yesterday) so far. All went well.
G. Carles 06-28-10
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I went to psychiatrists, hypno-therapists, as well as other group therapies and none of them had an effective approach to dealing with anxiety and public speaking. When I started the group sessions with your classes, I experienced lasting changes in my perception and ability to interact with other people comfortably in group settings. It was the whole process of gradual exposure that put me at ease and softened my anxieties a great deal. I am forever grateful that I have stumbled upon these classes and owe great thanks to you Charles. Your patience, kindness, and concern have also made the classes an enjoyable experience and it was always a pleasure to be there
Shar Ram
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The task ahead seemed insurmountable. I am a 23 year
old graduate student who was to teach English 220 to a group of
30 undergraduate students. This would require intelligence,
poise, the ability to speak in public, and a brand-new wardrobe.
I was horrified. I enrolled in the workshop, hoping to cure my
paralyzing fear of public speaking. As the time drew closer, I
enjoyed daily panic attacks and hard-core insomnia. I practiced
in four different groups, and though, when I went in for my first
class, I was trembling with trepidation, the experience that I
had gained from groups sustained me and I survived. I write this
now in my brand-new office, a few hours after my third
class.
The workshop may not make public speaking easy, but it makes it
possible.
Marina Robinovich
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I'd like to thank you for all that you have done for
me up this point in our class. I never thought I would be able to
speak in front of a group again, and with your compassionate
guidance, I am gaining confidence in my ability to do just that.
It was a wonderful practice for me last night on so many levels.
In particular, waiting until the end to take my turn. It's
amazing how the things we think are so challenging, are just what
the doctor ordered.
Maureen Munroe
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It started like an airplane...shaky at first
rumbling down the runway (for about a minute) as I worked to gain
composure. During the first minute, I wasn't sure if I would
crash or fly until I got just a little air under my tires and
lifted of the ground just ever so slightly. Once I realized I was
within grasp of control (a few more minutes of talking), the
anxiety began to fade as I realized I knew the material well due
to practicing. As the anxiety began to lift, I actually took off,
soared and enjoyed myself. It was the presentation I always
wanted to give!! Thank you Charles!!!!!
Greg Roberts
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Hi Charles - My best man speech on Sunday went over
really well. I'll fill you in on all the details at the next
session. Thanks for all your help!
Frank Gregory
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By the way, I gave my presentation at work Friday
and it went great. I spoke to a room full of about 25 people and
wasn't nervous at all! I couldn't have even imagined doing that a
year ago. My boss told me twice that I did a great job. You have
worked a miracle -- thanks so much.
D. A.