Public speaking, especially in front of large or imposing audiences, is one of the greatest limiting factors in an employee?s success. It does not matter how articulate you are while drawing conclusions and writing reports, if you cannot effectively communicate those ideas you will go unrecognised and unrewarded. Finding the right words, and even the bravery to speak up, however, is not so easy. These are four ways to turn your shaking squeak into a confident speech.
Take a Class
The easiest and most time-efficient strategy for improving public speaking skills is to benefit from the wisdom and critiques of a professional. Many community centres, private instructors and community colleges offer communications courses specifically geared toward public speaking. This gives you the opportunity to develop your technique and practise comfortably with a group of peers, rather than suddenly being forced into the spotlight in a working situation. Even better, you?ll receive valuable feedback to catch the mistakes you may not have noticed.
Plan Ahead of Time
Very few people are eloquent while making off-the-cuff remarks. Finding the right words and putting your thoughts together at the same time is almost impossible if you don?t have an innate talent for it, so always come to meetings and presentations prepared to answer any questions. That means familiarising yourself with all of the relevant details, to the point that you can address any concerns off the top of your head. Dressing well will also boost your self-confidence and make you appear more professional to your listeners.
Learn Relaxation Exercises
Often, when an individual knows what he or she needs to say and has all the facts, nerves decide whether or not the speech is successful. Anxiety can make you forget everything you prepared and leave your sentences punctuated with ?likes? and ?um?s. In the worst case scenario, some people even pass out. If your hands begin to shake and your stomach aches before public speaking, practise some relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and meditation before taking the stage. Even something as simple as reading a book can provide a useful distraction.
Practise
Most importantly, nothing will improve your public speaking like practise. Rehearse in front of a mirror in the days prior to a big speech, or enlist the help of friends and family to act as an audience and ask you questions. The more time you spend speaking to others, the less awkward it will feel. Find an excuse to talk to strangers, volunteer to make a presentation and don?t let yourself fall to the wayside. Very few people enjoy public speaking, but they recognise effort when they see it.
As your career develops, you can choose to better yourself, or you can choose to constantly avoid public speaking and be passed over for a lack of leadership. You may never be a great orator, but you don?t need to be. With the right perspective and a little homework, your speeches can convey all of the relevant information without any embarrassing moments, and that?s all most clients or employers will ever need from you.
Written by Wayne B.
Wayne is a casual writer specialising in business advices. He finds Bill Gate to be one of the most motivational speakers after attending one of his business presentations in New York.
Source: http://www.ourbusinessnews.com/how-to-improve-your-public-speaking-skills
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