How comfortable do you feel when standing in front of an audience, holding a speech? Having all eyes and ears
appointed on you can’t be a pleasant feeling; unless you’re an avid orator who adores being in the spotlight. Surprisingly, a lot of people dread public speaking. It is an activity that demands a lot of attention and courage to be properly fulfilled. Many are terrified of holding a public presentation from various reasons. Some fear that they’ll mess up the speech, others are too nervous to even say a word. Regardless of your reason, public speaking has a vital role in career growth.
Speaking in public is an activity that can’t be avoided. Sooner or later you’ll be put in a position where you’ll have to express your thoughts out loud, whether it’s a job interview, presentation or a wedding toast. Many people dread public speaking because the activity makes them feel uncomfortable. They don’t want to be judged by an audience and they certainly don’t want to give the impression that their anxiety exudes weakness; because it doesn’t.
How to become comfortable with speaking in public
Speaking in front of a crowd doesn’t have to be nerve-racking. If you practice, you have the highest chances of overcoming this fear. Anxiety and fear are natural feelings that can’t always be controlled. Even the most skilled business individuals are nervous sometimes when having to deliver public speeches. The key to mastering this art is to trust yourself. Adopt an objective attitude and don’t let anyone intimidate you in any way.
Speak with as much confidence as possible and believe in your words. Whether you’re career path is real estate, advertising, or any other sort of business, you should know that you won’t be able to run away from holding presentations in public. At some point, you’ll have to talk to your employees for example. If your goal is to have a thriving company, it’s fundamental that you make workers listen and appreciate you. This can only be done through public speaking.
Hone the skills that you already have
Everyone has public speaking abilities. The thing is some people use them more often than others. It’s all about opportunity. If you have to attend a job interview but you’re terrified of the hiring manager, you should start honing the public skills you already have. Start by assessing other speakers. Look online for videos and tutorials of experienced leaders and business gurus, or get your inspiration from the public speeches of names like Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Martin Luther King, and others. These people may have had stage fright too. But they realized that when you speak about things that you like and enjoy, a public presentation is not a burden.
Prove that you’re knowledgeable
Provided that you can articulate your thoughts clearly and precisely, your audience will appreciate your thoroughness and thirst for knowledge. It’s safe to say that knowledge comes in limited quantities, and when it is not applied, an audience may lose interest really fast. A lot of people are not afraid of speaking in public; and that’s because they know how to put their knowledge to good use.
Before entering a business meeting or job interview, make sure you’re prepared with solid information. Basically, as long as you know what you’re talking about, there’s nothing an audience can do to intimidate you. Keep this in mind!
Confidence is bliss
Confidence can go a very long way when speaking in public. When you prepare for a presentation, it’s really important to trust yourself. Self-assurance makes you appear strong, prepared and fearless. Have a positive attitude though and don’t allow anyone to intimidate you. In fact, when a public observes that a speaker has poise, he won’t even dare to question what you’re saying.
It’s amazing how much you can achieve with sound public speaking abilities. Today’s business environment is extremely competitive. It’s impossible to land a good job if you can’t speak in front of a public. Whether we’re referring to 4, 40 or 400 people, it’s still a public. Don’t let your emotions to get the best of you and use them to your advantage. It’s the only way to master the art of public speaking.
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