Learn how to become a better speaker through personal anecdotes and practical tips. Overcome fear by volunteering to speak, seek positive reinforcement, and get good coaching. Discover the importance of practicing correctly and receiving feedback. Explore strategies like Toastmasters and Dale Carnegie for effective communication.
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Quick takeaways
Regularly speaking in front of people helps overcome the fear of public speaking and boosts confidence.
Seeking positive reinforcement from mentors or joining organizations like Toastmasters enhances speaking skills.
Deep dives
Effective Speaking and Presentation
One of the key aspects of leadership is effective communication and being able to deliver messages clearly and concisely in front of different audiences. Improving speaking and presentation skills is crucial for leaders, whether they are seasoned or new to leadership roles. Speaking one-on-one, leading staff meetings, or delivering large presentations are common tasks for leaders. To become a better speaker, it is essential to practice speaking in front of people regularly, seek positive reinforcement from mentors or supportive individuals, and get professional coaching to improve presentation skills.
Practical Steps to Enhance Speaking Skills
To enhance speaking skills, individuals should actively seek opportunities to speak in different settings such as staff meetings, company events, or customer interactions. Overcoming the fear of public speaking involves getting in front of people frequently and realizing that most of the time, nothing negative will occur. Utilizing resources like Toastmasters International or Dale Carnegie for coaching and feedback can significantly improve speaking confidence and effectiveness.
The Value of Positive Reinforcement and Coaching
Positive reinforcement, along with honest and constructive coaching, plays a crucial role in developing effective speaking skills. Having someone provide positive feedback and identify strengths in presentations can boost confidence and improve communication abilities. Seeking coaching from experienced professionals, organizations like Dale Carnegie, or Toastmasters can help individuals refine their speaking techniques and avoid developing ineffective speaking habits.
Continuous Improvement in Public Speaking
Continuous improvement in public speaking involves a combination of practice, positive feedback, and professional coaching. By consistently seeking opportunities to speak, receiving positive reinforcement from mentors, and engaging in professional coaching, individuals can overcome speaking challenges and become more confident presenters. Effective speaking and presentation skills are essential for leadership roles, highlighting the importance of continuous growth and development in communication abilities.
Leaders need to be able to speak confidently, clearly, and concisely to others - yet surveys show that at least 10% of the US population fears public speaking more than death. Even if that isn't true for you, chances are that you might not be as effective or confident as a speaker as you would like to be. In this new series, we'll look at what you can do as a leader to both speak and present more effectively, and help coach others to do this too.
Community Feedback
CoachingforLeaders.com/feedback
I started off this episode by talking about how I used to HATE public speaking and feared any speech...for days in advance. My trouble started in third grade and followed me well through college. I describe what I did to overcome these challenges and outlined three steps below that I know will be helpful to you as well.
1) Get in front of people!
I looked for every opportunity to speak when I went to events
I volunteered to help out at work in giving recognition to others
You could also reach out to charities and non-profits - all need speakers!
I didn't mention this in the episode, but becoming an instructor for the Red Cross is a great way to start (I did this!)
2) Find someone who will give you positive reinforcement
Find a friend, colleague, or mentor that will support you regardless of what happens
Join an organization like Toastmasters that will give you tons of position reinforcement
3) Get good coaching
Once you're a bit more comfortable on your feet, get honest coaching for someone you trust
Attend a Dale Carnegie course - they are the best of the best on teaching people how to speak and present
Start to do some teaching...either volunteer work, in your job, or teaching a class one night a week at a community college
Community Feedback
CoachingforLeaders.com/feedback
Community News
The next series of shows is planned to be:
May 21st - presentation content
May 28th - presentation delivery
June 4th - using visual aids (especially PowerPoint)
Resources
This week, I mentioned Sherry Turkle's TED talk as a resource I think would be valuable for any leader who wants to be present for people in today's age of technology - and that should be EVERY leader!
A special thank you to Rick Gray who visited the Coaching for Leaders Facebook page in the last week and liked it! We're glad to have you as part of our community.
If what you've heard on this week's show has been valuable to you or if you've benefited from past episodes, please leave us a review on iTunes. You can do this at coachingforleaders.com/itunes and then click "View in iTunes." We are very grateful for your feedback!
Wherever you are in the world, whatever is on your agenda today, take one idea from this show to engage and develop someone you lead.
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