Why Public Speaking? It allows us to form connections, influence decisions, and motivate change. Without communication skills, the ability to progress in the working world and in life, itself, would be nearly impossible. Public speaking is one of the most important and most dreaded forms of communication. Here are ten reasons to master public speaking:
Confidence
Overcoming the #1 fear most people refuse to face increases your confidence and self-esteem
2. Knowledge
The best way to know something is to teach it.
3. Employment
The ability to communicate gives you a significant advantage over other applicants.
4. Promotion
Possessing the skills to prepare and deliver talks, reports or presentations will most likely get you noticed and promoted
5. Authorship
The written versions of your speeches can become chapters in a book. This is how I wrote and published two books.
6. Relationships
Personal relationships are impacted by your increased self-esteem, and your ability to articulate what it is you are trying to say.
7. Money
Revenue not only through employment and promotions but as an invited speaker to various conferences, meetings, events, etc.
8. Status
The ability to prepare and deliver effective speeches changes how you are perceived by the community and peers.
9. Service
Endless non-profits need your good communication skills to promote their cause. For me, it was delivering a TEDx talk about hearing loss.
10. Fun
Knowing how to capture, entertain, educate and influence people rewarding, fulfilling and fun.
As speakers, nothing gives feedback as well as video! Here I present a speech evaluation of a talk I delivered in 2013. It was an Open House Toastmaster meeting. Several members and guests were present. I delivered a talk titled … Continue reading
The Rule of Three is one of the oldest of all the presentation techniques – known since the time of Aristotle. Here are ten compelling reasons why you should consider using it in your speeches and presentations The Rule of … Continue reading
While we always want to deliver our best presentation, if it will be videotaped and put on the web, that heightens its importance. Continue reading
Visuals can help us all better understand ideas, concepts, and emotions. Continue reading
As speakers, we want our audience to listen to us and EXPERIENCE what we are saying. Stir up emotions through questions! Use Questions to stir emotions. How about these, for starters? Romantic Warm, Cozy, Fuzzy Sad or distressed Embarrassment Happy … Continue reading
Audiences who are involved in your talk can retain up to 90% of your message. I witnessed the most remarkable use of questions while participating in Harv Ekar’sMillionaire Mind weekend years ago. He kept an audience of approximately 2,000 people … Continue reading
An eye can threaten like a loaded and leveled gun; or can insult like hissing and kicking; or in its altered mood by beams of kindness, make the heart dance with joy. -Ralph Waldo Emerson Mr. Emerson’s eloquent statement expresses … Continue reading
If we want our message to be meaningful and memorable, use metaphors when speaking Here is how metaphors help us as speakers: Metaphors create vivid images in your audience’s mind, making it easier to understand and remember your message. Metaphors … Continue reading
The fear of public speaking. It is debilitating and a significant reason not to move forward in careers and business. Overcoming it can be easy. Imagine yourself knowing that you never have to fear talking and sharing ideas. I’ve said … Continue reading
Advancing through PowerPoint slides without any awkwardness is a worthy goal for any presenter. Here is a surprisingly easy, inexpensive, and extremely effective way to achieve that. My business partner and friend, Circe Denyer, is a TEDx coach. … Continue reading
As speakers, we don’t want anything to distract our audience from our talk. How about your belly button? Is your belly button showing when you speak? A retired Hollywood costume designer surprised us with feedback about visible belly buttons! Tight-fitting … Continue reading
We can learn a thing or two by watching the hand gestures of opera singers. The Aria I was watching “The Devil’s Violinist” movie about one of the most famous violinists of all time – Paganini. Boy, talk about playing … Continue reading
One of the surest ways to establish your credibility as a speaker is by becoming an author. Having books available to offer your audiences enables them to “take you home” and remember your presentation. However, so many people want to … Continue reading
Recently I was reminded of an essential truth about speaking. We want to be speaking from the heart. The important reminder about speaking from the heart happened during a meeting where participants were practicing their “core idea” speeches with the … Continue reading
I’ve always said, with deep conviction, that conquering the fear of public speaking changes lives. Not only do I say conquering the fear of public speaking changes lives. I’ve seen it! Over and over and over again, thanks to Toastmasters. … Continue reading
