| Imagine two people applying for a promotion. Both | | | | with this presentation?" you are likely to get |
| are equally qualified. But, the first person is a | | | | demoralizing feedback. By asking what to do |
| great public speaker. They have taken courses on | | | | differently for the next one, you will get |
| public speaking. They have given presentations at | | | | constructive feedback about how to improve. |
| staff meetings. They learned how to think quickly | | | | 3) Videotape yourself giving a speech: |
| on their feet. The second person is an average | | | | I know watching yourself on tape is not the |
| presenter, at best. | | | | easiest thing in the world. (After all, I swear I look |
| Which person will get the promotion? | | | | taller and younger in real life!) But, watching |
| More importantly, would you rather be the great | | | | yourself on video is the best way to observe |
| speaker who gets the promotion and more | | | | your voice, gestures, and interaction with the |
| money? Or, the one who misses out due to their | | | | audience. |
| poor speaking skills? | | | | 4) Get a professional coach: |
| So, how do you improve your public speaking | | | | Everyone needs a mentor. They can spot details |
| skills? | | | | you would otherwise miss. For example, an |
| The first step is to attend a presentations skills | | | | executive hired me as a their speech coach. |
| workshop. But, going to a presentation skills | | | | During his speech, I noticed he was only making |
| course is like going to the gym ONCE. In other | | | | eye contact with the right side of the room. |
| words, a one-time workout will not make a | | | | People sitting on the left side of the room felt |
| long-term change. To make a permanent | | | | ignored. So, I taught him how to make eye |
| difference, you need to practice your new skills | | | | contact with all parts of the room. |
| after the workshop. | | | | 5) Reward yourself for good behavior: |
| Here is how to practice your speaking skills: | | | | There is an old adage: "What gets rewarded, gets |
| 1) Find opportunities to use your presentation skills: | | | | repeated." We are too tough on ourselves - |
| Join Toastmasters if you need an environment to | | | | especially with public speaking. Public speaking is |
| practice. I was a member of Toastmasters for | | | | the number one fear for most people. So, you |
| several years. It helped me develop my skills. I | | | | deserve a pat on the back just for attempting a |
| also enjoyed interacting with other business | | | | presentation! Treat yourself to your favorite |
| people in a fun environment. | | | | dessert or go for a nice walk as a reward for |
| You can also practice by volunteering for | | | | practicing your new speaking skills. |
| community groups or to speak at public schools. | | | | It takes weeks to ingrain a new habit. During that |
| They are always looking for people to talk about | | | | time, slip-ups and growing pains can occur. Be |
| career and life issues. You can contact your local | | | | patient. Silence that nagging inner voice that |
| school board for more information. | | | | expects you to be perfect. Motivational speaker |
| 2) Ask for feedback: | | | | Les Brown has a great saying, "Anything worth |
| Get a friend or co-worker to observe your | | | | doing well, is worth doing poorly at first." |
| speech. Ask them, "What did you like about my | | | | So, rehearse your new presentation skills. Practice |
| speech?" and "What would you suggest I do | | | | your skills so next time, YOU are the great |
| differently during my NEXT presentation?" | | | | speaker who gets the promotion and the raise! |
| Notice you are asking for suggestions for your | | | | © 2008 Reflective Keynotes Inc. |
| NEXT presentation. If you ask, "What is wrong | | | | |