What's your objection to making a deliberate decision to work on your speaking skills and confidence?
Most people offer one of three reasons for not taking action: 1) Too busy; 2) No money; 3) They don't see a need ("I'm not great but I'm okay" or "I don't typically speak" or "I'm really uncomfortable speaking so I just don't").
Just like for any decision, if you don't see or feel a need, you're not likely to find the time or the money. Once a need is real, you free up time and money. This is human nature.
My 3 tips on taking the leap to better speaking focus on clarifying the benefits of speaking in business. Once you consider the benefits that are possible, you will have a much clearer need, which then frees up your time and some funds.
The Benefits of Speaking in Business:
- You control what your audiences hear and believe:
The first obligation of a speaker is to know what the audience cares about. You then decide how to speak about this concern or pain, rather than leaving an opening for others who may have different ideas. As a chief executive, for example, you control the message about projections for the coming year rather than ceding the message to others with counter-productive perspectives.
- You stand out from all others in your playing field
If you've been reluctant to speak in public, you know most of your competitors are also reluctant. So when you do step onto the stage you are standing out from the crowd and will get noticed. Combine this willingness to speak in public with the benefit of controlling what the audience hears and believes, and you've generated a powerful position which leaves your competitors scrambling to catch up.
- You create opportunities for persuasion, action and stickiness
There are research-driven, proven ways to persuade audiences to take action and to increase the memorability of your message. By applying these to your speeches and presentations, you help the audience get what they want while simultaneously guiding them to take the action you want them to take. Whether the purpose of your speech is to increase market share, demonstrate your leadership in your field or change behavior within your company, using fair and above-board persuasion principles in your speeches will generate outcomes better than any other method.
Ask any successful business leader about the top 3 keys to their success and they will always include "communication" in that list. Speeches and presentations are exceptionally powerful communication methods that lead to great returns on the investment of time and money. Ensure your future by committing today to improving your speaking skills.
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