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The Unsung Business Tool: Public Speaking

Written by: Aileen Pincus

Article Overview: If you’ve got something to say, ideas to share, people to influence or a customer base to attract, public speaking is an opportunity ripe for the taking. All too often, the very best stories in organizations and companies go untold, because of people’s reluctance to take the stage. Public speaking skills can change minds, inspire action, and launch and cement relationships in a way that no other form of communication can.

The Unsung Business Tool: Public Speaking

Every public speaker will be judged by the audience on whether they’ve got something to say worth listening to. That’s not a reason to avoid opportunity to speak; it’s the very reason to embrace it. If you believe in something and are actually behind your product or service, you should let no opportunity pass to get up and tell others about your conviction.
Whether it’s a quick overview of skills presented to the Chamber of Commerce, an opportunity to share ideas with a trade organization or with the general public, mastering the basics of public speaking will bring with it many rewards. Of all the marketing techniques your organization can invest in, speaking directly to audiences is one of the best ways to “build brand” for companies, and ideas, all while enhancing the standing of the speaker.
Remember that even the best orators weren’t born that way. Public speaking is a learned skill that will improve with practice if you simply seize the initiative. Here then are some brief tips to help get reluctant executives started on embracing business’ unsung tool: Public Speaking:

1.) Start small.
Most people’s anxiety levels increase with the size of their audience. Look for outlets that are lower risk for you; small groups of your peers for instance where you can stretch your persuasive powers. Simply seizing the opportunity to address groups will set you apart from most and help get you accustomed to the process.
2.) Assume good intentions.
Assume your listeners want to hear what you have to say. Remember to structure your presentation from the audience’s point of view and you will keep their attention and good will. If you don’t know the audience, arrive early in order to meet and greet some members to get a good sense of why they came.
3.) Preparation is the key to confidence.
Don’t ever “wing it”. Respect your audience enough to prepare well. Knowing your material is vital to a successful speech or presentation. An occasional “I don’t know” in answer to a question at the end of your speech is fine. Hesitation, unfamiliarity with your own words, or lack of conviction during a speech is not.
4.) Prepare by mimicking the real thing as closely as possible.
You’re going to deliver a speech orally, so practice that way. Don’t just read over your speech or talking points endlessly while mumbling to yourself. You need to hear and feel the words and phrases you’ll use.
5.) Get some honest feedback.
If you can’t get professional help, ask someone to watch your practice delivery. Videotape your performance and play it back for someone whose opinion you respect. Ask specific questions and listen without defensiveness to the answers. Are your words sounding believable? Are you showing any passion behind your ideas? Are you maintaining enough eye contact? Does your voice sound natural?
Remember, this is an opportunity to share your expertise with an audience that will benefit. Seize that opportunity and let your confidence carry you through. Soon enough, your performance itself will mirror the confidence you feel in your subject.

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Article Tags: executive presentation, presentation skill training, presentation training, public speaking, public speaking training



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