Public speaking is one form of communication and is, quite simply, the process of presenting your thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way. There is a often a perception that only people involved in sales, marketing, or mass media need to learn public speaking. However, the truth is that individuals from all walks of life have to speak in public from time to time. A student reciting a poem in school, citizens expressing their opinions on national issues, or the president of a company addressing the staff, are all different forms of public speaking.
Importance of Public Speaking
Public speaking is important for many reasons, and learning proper public speaking techniques will help you in various facets of your life, such as:
Improves Communication Skills
As noted, public speaking is merely one form of communication, but public speaking does not always mean that you have to give a speech to a large audience. When you go for an interview, speak to a group of interviewers, or when you are giving a class presentation; all of these are a form of public speaking. In such situations, if you have the ability to communicate properly, it can help you be more effective and better shape your future.
Helps to Overcome Fear
Surveys have revealed that many people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of death. You can reduce your anxiety, to a large extent, if you gather a thorough knowledge of the subject matter on which you are going to speak. As a result, when you face the audience, you merely need to share with them what you have learned. Preparation is key.
The more you practice, the more your anxieties and fear of public speaking should decrease. Therefore, practice in front of a mirror or, even better, in front of a group of friends who can help you identify your weak areas.
Helps in Personality Development
When you successfully deliver a good speech, you can experience tremendous personal satisfaction. A positive response from the audience can help you feel more confident. This heightened sense of self-worth can foster improvement in your overall personality and outlook on life.
Improves Relationships
Once you develop good public speaking skills, a marked improvement can result in your interpersonal skills which, in turn, can help you maintain healthy relationships with friends and family members. And in your professional life, an effective interaction with your boss, clients, colleagues, or subordinates will help you enhance the possibility of success, and advancement in your chosen profession.
So, if you get an opportunity to learn public speaking skills, grab it without giving it a second thought. Once you learn them, make sure that you use your public speaking skills as often as possible, as you can sharpen the skills further with continual practice. The goal of successful public speaking is to be knowledgeable and articulate, and to deliver your message with full confidence, credibility, and conviction. If done properly, you can enhance your personal and professional stature while providing a valuable service to others.
~ with ideas and excerpts from B. Mukher
"Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson