Public speaking is perhaps the most important skill a person could learn. It is one of the three major pillars of successful communication – spoken and written language, body movement and non-verbal communication. Whether you are addressing a group of friends or an audience of complete strangers, your skill to convey to them with confidence and clarity is called your public speaking skills
Good public speaking skills start with the fundamentals. You need to be aware of your audience. Make sure that the people who will be your audience are comfortable with the kind of talk you are going to have. Always keep eye contact with them while speaking. This simple gesture would make them feel welcome even if you are talking to them about a subject they find uncomfortable.
There are other factors that you should consider in your public speaking skills like the use of proper timing. You should not rush your speech or talk. The space available for you to speak is also an important aspect. You should always remember that you are not the only one invited to make a presentation. If there is someone more senior than you in the team, it does not mean that you should ignore that person. You should listen carefully to what the speaker has to say before you give your own.
Another important skill that you should perfect is the speech itself. As mentioned earlier, the content of the talk is very important. It is the content that will reflect on your resume when it comes to job hunting. It is not enough that you prepare a great speech. To ensure that you get the attention of your audience and that you create a lasting impact, you should practice your public speaking skills to perfection. This will help you not only during the actual presentation but also during your interview process. A good public speaker is one who is comfortable asking questions. A person with high confidence can actually ask questions without feeling embarrassed. This will also show your professionalism and you will become more approachable by the people.
Public speaking is not an easy task. It takes a lot of practice and dedication to perfect your skills. It is one of those things where you should not rush in and expect instant results. You have to be patient and you will be able to deliver excellent speeches. Remember that the key to a successful career is not only having a great resume but also being an excellent public speaker.