Initial self-assessment tools

Physical and emotional self-description test

Before starting any improvement process in public speaking, it is necessary to establish an honest starting point free of external judgments.

To do this, we use a diagnostic tool based on self-description, but moving away from standard biometric data.

We are not looking for a list of characteristics such as height or hair color, as they would appear on an identity card.

The exercise consists of writing three to four sentences that define how the individual usually feels within his or her own body and what emotions predominate when interacting socially.

For example, instead of describing "dark eyes and average height," a useful description for this diagnosis would be: "I feel that my physical presence goes unnoticed and my voice lacks the strength to assert itself in a room, which leads to frustration.

This approach makes it possible to identify real emotional barriers. If the speaker does not feel represented by what he has written, he must rewrite it until the description resonates with his inner truth.

This private record acts as a logbook that will allow to measure the emotional evolution throughout the training.

Interpretation of the self-drawing and personal projection

Along with the textual description, the diagnosis is complemented with a graphic exercise: the realization of a full body self-portrait.

Neither the artistic skill nor the quality of the stroke is eva luated, but the unconscious projection that the individual captures on paper. This graphic test reveals details that the conscious mind often omits.

When analyzing the drawing, key elements are observed: Does the drawing have hands or are they hidden behind the back? The absence of hands often indicates difficulties in connecting or communicating.

Are the feet firmly planted on the ground or do they appear to float? This speaks to stability and security.

Is the stroke weak and choppy or strong and marked? Pencil pressure denotes energy levels and tension. This analysis should be done at the beginning of training and repeated at the end of training.

It is fascinating to note how, after acquiring public speaking techniques, the second drawing usually presents a larger figure, with greater space occupation and open limbs, reflecting a change in self-image.

Comparing the two documents provides tangible evidence of the change in mindset, validating that internal perception has evolved along with technical skills.

Summary

Initial diagnosis requires an honest self-description about the physical and emotional sensations experienced when interacting. We are not looking for biometric data, but rather to identify deep internal barriers.

The drawing of a self-portrait unconsciously projects personal security. Elements such as the presence of hands or the firmness of the line reveal stability and communicative capacity.

Comparing records at the beginning and end of training provides tangible evidence of progress. The evolution of self-image validates the mastery of acquired techniques.