In order to be successful in any job, you need a set of highly specific and highly developed skills. If that list includes public speaking skills, listen up. A proficiency in public speaking skills is like anything else you learned in school, at work or out there in the great big world. The only difference between becoming proficient in public speaking and something else wonderfully invaluable such as knowing Excel, is that you can practice using Excel without an audience.
The Audience Is The Key
Yes, practicing in front of a mirror will help your presentation and yes if you practice in front of your spouse, dog and hamster you will have more confidence; but without real practice in front of real strangers, you will never truly master presenting. The reason we are encouraged to practice in front of a mirror or our friends and family is because it gives us the confidence we need to get up in front of a group and present for real—that, and it helps you find any mistakes or stumbling points in your presentation. But without a real audience and the skills you need to overcome your fears, you will always have anxiety when public speaking.
Practicing For Real
Deliberate practice or practicing with intention is much different than the practice you do when you’re in front of the mirror. In order to master your fears and have professional confidence in your presenting skills, you need to seek out opportunities to get up in front of strangers and practice. But before you do that, like anything in life, you need to get the fundamentals down. Without the proper fundamentals, you will be enforcing bad habits.
Learning To Practice Correctly
In order to practice the right tools, many people seek out the help of public speaking coaches or attend public speaking classes or seminars. These are invaluable tools that will help you get started on practicing the techniques that help top business and sales professionals all over the world succeed in leading engaging, thoughtful presentations and pitches. If you’re in need of confidence, guidance or the techniques needed to become a better presenter, seeking out the fundamentals from a professional speaking coach or attending a public speaking conference is an excellent way to do so. Equipped with the right techniques, practicing in front of an audience will become natural and soon giving bigger presentations that aren’t for practice will feel natural too.
For more information on public speaking skills, visit Public speaking classes at or call 808-874-0777.
