Public speaking is a powerful skill to position yourself as an authority.
Very few people will get up in front of a crowd and make a presentation that is impressive and entertaining. Doing so positions the speaker as a leader, as someone who might have something important to say and worthwhile listening to.
Imagine giving a presentation to a live audience in rapt attention to what you have to say, laughing at your jokes, giving you a standing ovation and congratulating you afterwards. Realistically, that probably won’t happen for your first presentation. With practice, you can make that vision a reality.
You can make a bigger impression on more people in a group by speaking to them at one meeting than you could by just by just showing up for months. That impression could lead to members of the audience seeking you out for help.
How can you initially learn to be a public speaker or learn to improve your speaking skills?
- The Dale Carnegie organization has excellent courses on communications and human relations and high-impact presentations. Community colleges and high schools offer courses and clubs to learn and practice public speaking.
- Toastmasters International offers mutually-supportive groups to practice speaking on a regular basis. The members themselves are the audience that gives feedback and tips to improve.
- Seek opportunities to speak. Many local groups are desperately seeking speakers for their meetings. Let them know you are willing to speak for their group. Now that the pandemic is essentially over, many of these groups are gradually becoming active again.
- Seek leadership roles in a service organization like Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimists, etc., or in your church/synagogue/mosque, a charity or political cause that you support.
- Create your own opportunities to speak. You can arrange your own meetings at your public library (usually there is no room charge if you don’t charge for attending) or a local hotel and invite people to come hear you speak. Announce your presentation to online groups, social media followers, or with public service announcements by the local media.
- Video conferencing provides another opportunity to practice speaking. You won’t get the same energy and feedback that you would in front of an audience. It’s still a great way to practice and build your visibility. During the pandemic, it was probably the most important way to promote a professional business. Online membership groups are still going strong.
I can’t think of any other activity to build your courage, confidence and self-esteem as much as public speaking.
Get started now!