FEATURE
The POWER of Public Speaking
F
or women leaders, the ability to speak fluently and convincingly, in a public or group setting, can dramatically influence your career.
Why? A convincing public speaker is often seen as having good leadership potential – and this frequently opens the door to professional growth. As an effective public speaker, you convey confidence which can have a ripple effect, not only on your career, but on your personal life as well. While there are many fantastic resources out there to improve your public speaking – organizations like Toastmasters, and classes like Dale Carnegie training – there are also several tips and techniques you can employ on your own to be a better public speaker.
your message. The audience probably won’t notice anyway. And if they do, they’re likely to be sympathetic. PREPARE AND PRACTICE Preparation is key to controlling your fear. If you know your material inside and out, and are ready to answer audience questions, you’re well on your way to giving a good speech. As soon as you know your topic, start work on your speech. Think about what message or information you want to get across. Do your research and write an outline. Then: practice, practice, practice. Familiarity reduces the fear. Take advantage of opportunities where you can speak in front of an audience:
So, before you deliver your next speech in public, consider the following:
• When attending a seminar or sitting in an audience yourself, ask questions of the speaker. (Often you must move to a microphone to ask your question.)
FACE YOUR FEAR
• Call in to a radio station to ask a question or voice an opinion.
If you’re like most people, you dread speaking in front of an audience. Surveys, in fact, show that people often fear public speaking more than death.
• Tell stories to your spouse, children and colleagues.
It’s easier said than done, but you must confront your anxiety, says Nicole Wells, founder of Communication Gym (www. communicationgym.com) and an adjunct faculty member at New York University. Wells says every speaker gets uncomfortable or nervous. “Usually, you think you’re much worse than you really are,” adds Wells. And don’t apologize for any nervousness – this just distracts from
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• Volunteer to introduce a speaker. • Join an organization like your homeowner’s association, a volunteer board or your parent teacher association. CHECK OUT THE VENUE IN ADVANCE It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the room in which you’ll be speaking. • Arrive early. Test the microphone and any visual aids, and practice using them.