Did you know that public speaking is one of the most common fears in the world? While some studies report that up to 30% of the general population is impacted, others theorize that the number could be much greater – up to 70%. One comfort to consider when it comes to the art of public speaking is that it is a taught skill. Even the best public speakers you’ve heard did not begin life knowing how to eloquently educate, entertain, and persuade a crowd full of people.
Why is Public Speaking Important?
One study found that individuals with stronger public speaking anxiety (also known as PSA) chose careers or positions less likely to have public speaking opportunities. Makes sense, right? Why would individuals who are afraid of public speaking enter a position where lots of public speaking is required? There’s just one catch. Not many individual contributors are required to give presentations often. However, managers typically give far more presentations. Things like quarterly projections, all-hands meetings, communicating change, etc. An excellent individual contributor is likely to be promoted to manager one day – but their fear of public speaking may be a barrier to receiving that promotion or succeeding in it. To retain talented employees, it’s important to supplement their soft skills with training – encourage them to learn new things and overcome old fears!
Tips for Public Speaking
Like everything else, public speaking is a learned skill. It can be practiced. There are several well-known tips, tricks, and formulas on how to improve public speaking.
Public speaking classes and courses are often available through a workplace’s employee development program. The best part about a public speaking class that is taken through an LMS is that it offers the learner the privacy and opportunity to practice without an audience. While an audience is essential to public speaking, there’s no need to start with one when you’re just beginning!
Some of the best public speaking coaching I’ve received was from my manager. When I was nervous, she said “Remember that you’re the expert. You’re up here doing this – and your audience isn’t.” There is always a level of nervousness to be expected when public speaking – and your audience knows that. It’s okay to be nervous – the challenge is not letting your feelings disrupt your presentation.
There two key components of a great presentation are confidence and preparation. I find that confidence can stem from excellent preparation and a few kind words through public speaking coaching. Here are a few elements of preparation:
- Knowing your Audience
- Researching Your Topic
- Choosing your Frame/Angle
- Preparing your Queues/Script
- Practice
However, preparation style can differ based on the topic of the presentation. It can also be more difficult to write if you don’t know your audience as well, for example, if you’re giving a demonstration to a new prospect that you’ve only had a ten minute conversation with. Virtual public speaking classes can help employees prepare for any kind of presentation!
Impact of Public Speaking Classes on Organizations
Public speaking classes often focus on technical public speaking tips as well as fostering the soft skills of employees. Soft skills are vital in any work environment – and encouraging them can drive incredible results for organizations, such as stronger collaboration, increased retention, and improved productivity.
Individual contributors who become managers and leaders may have a natural affinity for public speaking, but it doesn’t mean that they couldn’t benefit from public speaking coaching. Soft skills training has the potential to raise the bar for every employee, making strong employees stronger and giving employees who needed support a helping hand. The leadership bench becomes deeper and deeper, improving company longevity and reducing the strain of succession planning.
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