13.05.2023
Taslim Ahammad
Be a Public Speaker
Public speaking can be a daunting task, but it is also an incredibly powerful tool for those who are willing to master it. Whether you are a business professional, an academic, or just someone who wants to communicate more effectively, becoming a public speaker can help you to achieve your goals and connect with others in a meaningful way. In this article, we will explore the benefits of public speaking and provide some tips and tricks for becoming a confident and effective speaker.
Public speaking is an art that can make a huge difference in your life. Whether you are looking to advance your career, inspire others, or simply improve your communication skills, becoming a public speaker can help you achieve your goals. However, many people find the prospect of public speaking daunting, and they avoid it altogether. In this article, we will discuss why you should consider becoming a public speaker and how you can develop the skills you need to succeed.
The benefits of public speaking are numerous, and they extend far beyond just being able to deliver a good speech. Here are some of the key benefits of becoming a public speaker:
- Improved Communication Skills: Public speaking requires you to articulate your thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely. This skill will not only help you in public speaking situations but also in your day-to-day conversations.
- Increased Confidence: Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but mastering it can be a major confidence boost. When you know that you can speak effectively in front of a crowd, you will feel more self-assured in other areas of your life as well.
- Enhanced Leadership Skills: Public speaking is an important leadership skill. When you can communicate effectively to a group, you can inspire and motivate others to take action.
- Expanded Career Opportunities: Many jobs require public speaking skills, from presenting at conferences to leading team meetings. By becoming a skilled public speaker, you can open up new career opportunities and advance in your current role.
- Increased Visibility: Public speaking engagements often come with media coverage and social media exposure, which can help you to increase your visibility and reach a wider audience.
Why become a public speaker? There are several compelling reasons to become a public speaker. Here are a few:
- Enhance your career: Public speaking is a valuable skill in many professions, from business to education to politics. Being able to communicate effectively with others can help you stand out in your field and advance your career.
- Inspire others: Public speaking provides a platform to share your ideas and inspire others. By speaking on topics that matter to you, you can make a positive impact on the world around you.
- Boost your confidence: Public speaking can be scary, but it can also be a great confidence builder. By overcoming your fears and mastering the art of public speaking, you will become more self-assured and confident in other areas of your life.
- Connect with others: Public speaking provides an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. By sharing your personal experiences and insights, you can build meaningful relationships with your audience.
How to be a public speaker? If you are ready to become a public speaker, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Identify your message: Before you can become a successful public speaker, you need to identify your message. What are the topics that you are passionate about? What do you want to communicate to your audience? Once you have a clear message, you can begin to develop your speeches around it.
- Know your audience: In order to connect with your audience, you need to understand their needs and interests. What are the demographics of your audience? What are their expectations? By knowing your audience, you can tailor your message to resonate with them.
- Practice, practice, practice: Public speaking is a skill that requires practice. Practice your speeches in front of a mirror, record yourself, and ask for feedback from friends and colleagues. The more you practice, the more confident you will become.
- Develop your voice: Your voice is your most important tool as a public speaker. Work on your enunciation, pace, and tone to ensure that your message is clear and engaging.
- Use visuals: Visual aids such as slides, videos, and images can help to illustrate your points and keep your audience engaged. However, be sure to use visuals sparingly and only when they add value to your message.
- Connect with your audience: Connect with your audience by maintaining eye contact, using humour, and telling stories. By building a rapport with your audience, you can keep them engaged and interested in your message.
- Be authentic: Your audience wants to hear from you, not a polished version of yourself. Be authentic and genuine in your speeches, and your audience will respond positively.
- Keep it simple: Avoid jargon and technical terms that may confuse your audience. Use simple language that is easy to understand, and explain any technical terms that are necessary.
- Be prepared for the unexpected: No matter how well you prepare, unexpected things can happen during a speech. Be prepared to adapt to changes in your environment or audience, and remain calm and focused.
- Evaluate your performance: After each speech, take the time to evaluate your performance. What went well? What could you improve on? Use this feedback to continually improve your public speaking skills.
To sum up, becoming a public speaker can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience by following above mentioned tips.
Taslim Ahammad
Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
taslim.ahammad@gmail.com / taslim@ahammads.com