This is a guest post by Jeff Perry, MBA
“There are only two types of speakers in the world. The nervous and the liars.” ~ Mark Twain
Glossophobia, or a fear of public speaking, is believed to affect up to 75% of the population. It’s not easy to overcome for many of us. That’s OK. If this is you, start where you are. But the myth that some people are just “born” to be speakers and communicators is simply not true. Public speaking skills are something that can be developed with intention, practice, and the right support to help you improve.
1. Communicate Beyond the Stage
“Communication is a skill that you can learn. It’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.” ~ Brain Tracy
Don’t overcomplicate what public speaking is about. It’s simply about conveying an idea or message to others.
Public speaking, in the end, comes down to communication in many different scenarios. It’s not just about the times when you are up on a stage speaking to a crowd (although that can be part of it).
Here are situations you might not normally consider public speaking, but where you do utilize public speaking skills:
- Team meetings
- Performance reviews
- Job interviews
- Collaborating with team members
- Brainstorming
Sometimes you have time to prepare, and sometimes you are asked to share ideas/opinions on the spot.
No matter the situation, you want to engage with confidence and present yourself, your company, or your ideas in the best way possible.
These are not skills to neglect!
2. Begin With the End in Mind
“To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination.” ~ Stephen R. Covey
There are four main purposes of public speaking opportunities:
- To inform
- To persuade
- To encourage
- To entertain
As you prepare a presentation or opportunity to share an idea, consider: What’s the purpose you are trying to accomplish? What action, if any, do you want your audience to take after you are done? What change do you want to make?
If you can “begin with the end in mind,” you can create an experience that will help you achieve your goal!
3. Change Your Body Language
“Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.” ~ Jim Rohn
Communicating with others goes far beyond just WHAT you say, but HOW you say it and present yourself.
In fact, research suggests that 55% of what we communicate is actually done through our body language.
So it’s important to get your body primed and ready for greatness!
One way to do this is to take an expansive posture or power pose. Research done by Amy Cuddy and her colleagues, and presented in this popular TED Talk, shows that changing our body posture can literally change our hormones! These poses increased testosterone and decreased cortisol (the stress hormone).
So next time you are about to go into a stressful situation, take two minutes and strike your best superhero pose — you might be surprised how much it helps!
4. Get Out There and Speak!
“The worst speech you’ll ever give will be far better than the one you never give.” ~ Fred Miller
The hard truth is that you can’t get better at public speaking and communication without, well, speaking.
So, find ways to practice!
Volunteer to give a presentation, speak up in a meeting when you otherwise wouldn’t, or take an opportunity to reach out to someone to convey a new idea.
If you want to go even further, you can join a public speaking group like a Toastmasters club to get regular practice and supportive feedback in a safe environment.
Public speaking and communication skills can help you grow your career in big ways — so get speaking!
About Jeff Perry, MBA
Jeff Perry is a leadership and career expert known for helping individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their potential in all facets of life. Given his background in engineering, business, and leadership, he specializes in working with engineering and technical professionals, but the principles he shares are universal.
He is the author of the bestselling book, “The Intentional Engineer: A Guide to a Purpose-Driven Life and Career for Engineers and Technical Professionals.”
Jeff received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington.
A sought-after teacher and speaker, Jeff is happily married to Robin. Together they have four children, and live in beautiful Pullman, Washington.
You can reach Jeff on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcperry or learn more at jeff-perry.com.
Please leave your comments, feedback or questions in the section below on how you have vastly improved your public speaking skills.
To your success,
Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
