A surprising statistic about the phobia of public speaking is that three out of four people suffer from it. So, if you’re one of them, be assured: this fear is entirely reasonable since it is common.
Now, if you have been asked to speak in front of a few people, they can relate to this fear compared to most other phobias. That said, much like any irrational fear, you can overcome glossophobia by facing it.
Since this is related to public speaking, preparation, and being aware of your audience can go a long way in helping you to be great at speaking in front of an audience. However, learning to speak well in public isn’t just about being seen as charismatic. There are evident career benefits too.
How Excellent Public Speaking Skills Impacts Your Career Positively
Now some people might say that public speaking is not essential for their careers. Nothing can be further from the truth. Adding this vital skill to your repertoire can give your career an unbeatable boost. For this very reason, it’s crucial to develop this skill even if you’re not comfortable with making a presentation before an audience.
On the contrary, if you can present well without fear, not only do you demonstrate knowledge but also exude confidence. For that matter, being well-prepared for a presentation can increase your knowledge levels by leaps and bounds.
Still, even if you aren’t all that well-prepared, presenting well can make all the difference to your career.
For one, you’ll stand out, no matter what position you hold. Not everyone in the workplace can make polished presentations. This can put you at a serious advantage when it comes to raises. You might even be considered for a promotion sooner or later.
As you probably know: all senior managers have to make persuasive presentations. This is why honing your ability to speak publicly will put you in demand.
5 Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills
While the first step to being an excellent presenter in a public forum first involves overcoming this irrational fear, there are other concrete steps that you can take to become a confident, persuasive, and polished presenter. That said, all these tips will help you overcome your fear of presenting well, either directly or indirectly.
Here are five tips to improve your public speaking skills:
1: Put your audience at ease
One way of feeling at ease with your audience is to put your listeners at ease themselves. Smile at them just before you begin presenting. Despite feeling intense fear, flash a smile, or even use
2: Structure your presentation into three parts
Use an impressive statistic or personal story to begin your presentation. Focus on sharing your knowledge. This is the ‘meat’ of your speech. It is usually considered to be the body of your presentation. Finally, close your statement by persuading your audience to follow a particular course of action.
3: Don’t stop to apologize if you make a mistake
If you have made a mistake, do not be sorry. In most cases, your audience wouldn’t have noticed. However, if the error is glaring, use
4: Take your time when making the presentation
Pause as much as possible. You don’t have to fill the silence. Give your audience the time to grasp the talking points that you are making. Moreover, pacing yourself will ensure that you deliver all the points that you had in mind too.
5: Present as often as possible
The more you present, the more you learn how to present effectively. A large part of this involves learning how to communicate with your audience too. Even if your knowledge levels aren’t all that great; being able to connect with your audience is a crucial skill to learn. The more you sharpen this skill, the better you will get at it. For that reason, present as much as possible.
