Speak! Speak! Speak!
The Learning is in the Doing!
You can think about it, watch videos, read books, and attend seminars about public speaking. Those activities will give information, but real progress can’t be done unless you Do It! (Get a measure of your present skills HERE.)
Take and Make LOTS of “Speaking Opportunities!”
Audiences
Speak as often as possible to as many different audiences you can find.
I remember a toastmaster friend who got too comfortable speaking at our club. His speeches started losing energy. To get better, he needed different audiences to take him out of his very comfortable comfort zone.
Speaking in Front of Audiences is NOT your only “Speaking Opportunity.”
One-on-One, Face-to-Face
At my first toastmaster meeting I was told, “Even if you never speak in front of a group, the ability to do so will improve your one-on-one communication.”
The advice was correct! The next day I was in front of three ladies at Anheuser Busch delivering my presentation for choosing my coffee service for their department. I could actually feel the difference; giving each eye contact and reading their non-verbal communication.
Each and every face-to-face conversation is a “Speaking Opportunity.” Have that thought top of mind and your speaking skills will improve!
One-on-one, Phone
Not seeing the person you’re speaking to on a phone, unless using Skype or Facetime, can be challenging. Remembering your inflections, cadence, pauses, and projection relay the content of your message without being seen. Knowing non-verbal communication trumps verbal means more concentration on verbal delivery will improve your speaking.
Webinars
Delivering via on-line conference services is another presentation avenue. If possible, opt for video conferencing where attendees can see you and you see them. Seeing everyone for large conferences is not possible, but viewing some faces is better than none. You want to be “taking their temperature” by observing facial expressions and other body language. Remember: Non-verbal communication trumps verbal communication. That feedback will show where you’re doing well and where improvement is needed.
Video
Make videos for posting on your site. Videos let you see and hear what your audience sees and hears. A great way to learn from a video is to follow these steps.
Watch the video without sound. Non-verbal communication beats verbal communication.
Don’t look at the video, just listen.
Watch and Listen to the video. You are the audience.
Have a trusted coach watch and listen with you. We all have blind spots and are often too tough on ourselves.
Blog Post
Regular blogging, and posting the audio of the post, as I’ve done for this article, is a superb way to improve writing and speaking.
Written Post + Audio Post = Better Writing and Better Speaking. (This Tip is HUGE!)
You, like me, will be amazed how this activity, when done consistency, will improve those skills.
The above “Learning is in the Doing” suggestions work!
Do them regularly and I guarantee your next presentation will be absolutely, positively – NO SWEAT!
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About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, andPresentation Skills.
They do this because they know:"Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities."
They also know:We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.
He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!
Services:
Keynote Speaker
Workshop Facilitator
Breakout Sessions
Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching
Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!
Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
We are All Self-Employed!
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If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this post or other posts please contact me: Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com.
Thank you for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated!
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