How can I improve my public speaking skills for my career?

I was leaving work late one afternoon when I was asked to stay a little longer to brief the senior management team on an issue. I only have a hazy recollection of the topic.

I had not had time to prepare, and I remember blurting something out. I started sweating, and I turned bright red. Then the opposite happened. All the blood drained from my face, and I felt cold and clammy and fixed to the spot. I remember looking at the door and thinking that if I could move, I would run out!

Somehow I recovered and continued with the briefing. Everyone politely pretended not to notice. But it was clear that I had had a panic attack.

The next day, I walked past the Chief Executive’s office. His door was open, so I knocked and went in. I apologized for my performance and told him I did not understand what had happened.

I left knowing that I had to do something about it. I searched around for courses for people with an intense fear of public speaking. Eventually, I joined this public speaking course which has helped me advocate for causes and develop persuasive skills. Preparing for a speech has also improved my knowledge and vocabulary. All of this has strengthened my work performance, self-confidence, and personal satisfaction and enhanced my teamwork abilities.

Find out more on how you can also improve your public speaking skills for your career.

1. Study Great Public Speakers

Watching and learning from exceptional speakers offers was one of the best ways to improve my own public speaking skills. To start, I searched for great public speakers on YouTube; the likes of Barack Obama, Nick Vujicic, Oprah Winfrey, etc.

I watched these individuals and took note of their body language. You’ll find that it tends to remain open and inviting. They use their arms and hands in ways that accentuate their key points. They also avoid unnecessary fidgeting and wisely use the space provided to them to capture the audience’s attention.

Pay particular attention to how speakers pace themselves. They tend to take their time and deliver their words intentionally.

Additionally, they use pauses to keep the audience engaged and do not rush themselves. They may use humour or anecdotes in appropriate and effective ways.

2. Fine-Tuning Verbal and Nonverbal Skills

The best way to fine-tune your verbal and non-verbal communication skills taking a public speaking course. Whether you competed in public speaking in high school or this is your first time speaking in front of an audience, having the opportunity to actively practice communication skills and receive professional feedback will help you become a better overall communicator.

Often, people don’t even realize that they twirl their hair or repeatedly mispronounce words while speaking in public settings until they receive feedback from a teacher during a public speaking course.

You have a built-in speech coach right in your classroom, so it is to your advantage to use the opportunity to improve your verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

3. Demonstrate Your Expertise

The best way to persuade others of your expertise is to show them in action. Speaking offers a very unique opportunity for you to connect with and persuade others on the subjects you are an expert on.

You actively demonstrate your subject matter expertise while connecting with an audience. Few things cement the idea of your expertise in the minds of others than your taking the time to develop and deliver your speeches and presentations.

4. Practice Voice and Breath Control

For many people, I included, public speaking can warp their sense of time, making them speak faster than they normally would. Be aware of this phenomenon and keep a steady pace while presenting. It will help calm your nerves and allow the audience to better understand what you say.

Breath control can help you do this. Practice using your stomach to push air in and out of your lungs. Before you begin public speaking, take 10 slow, deep breaths.

5. Prepare Talking Points

Before you give a speech, prepare a series of talking points that contain the key messages you want your audience to know, feel, and understand by the time you have finished speaking. Start with 3-5 broad messages, then outline several underlying points that support each message.

Developing your public speaking skills can put you at a big advantage in your career, as it can lead to opportunities that others may avoid.

Join this public speaking class today to gain more comfort speaking in public.