HOW PUBLIC SPEAKING CAN BOOST YOUR CAREER.

Does the idea of making a presentation make your palms sweat or your heart beat a little too fast ? Public speaking can seem very daunting when you are starting out and it might feel like facing a firing squad of judgmental eyes, but the truth is it can be your secret weapon for success?

Whether you are preparing for your first in house presentation to management or delivering a killer pitch to a potential client or investor or simply presenting before your team there is no gain saying that the way you speak, your tone, even body language plays a big part  in the successful objective.

As you develop your public speaking skills be sure to create your own unique style in the long run and work with a format that is best for you. You should of course study some very popular public speakers to get tips but eventually you have to let your authentic style shine through. Whether that is being a bit witty, candid, factual, disarming, etc.

The most important thing to learn is how to control your nerves and breathing. Be self aware so you do not talk too fast and always read the room. Making eye contact with the audience can be a powerful hack but most importantly be very familiar with the topic you intend to talk about. It was actually quite painful and unfortunate to watch how much Cardi B struggled during the campaign trail for Kamala Harris when her presentation slides stopped working. She looked completely lost. Whilst we may not necessarily know the contents of our slides inside out, it is expected that a good public speaker should at least be able to ad lib (speak off the cuff) on their area of expertise or passion. This is ultimately what makes you connect well with your audience.

I am here to unveil five powerful benefits of public speaking that can help turn you from a nervous wreck to a confident communicator who can captivate any audience.

1. Increases your sphere of influence through Networking and Volunteering

I remember the very first time I spoke in front of an audience. It was at primary school. I attended St Saviours school in Ebute-Metta in the 80s. The school was set to host an end of year Christmas programme and I volunteered to open the show by welcoming the audience and introduce the acts. I was ten. 😫😫 till today I do not quite understand what possessed me to do that but from the moment by suggestion was accepted even I knew as young as I was that I could not afford to stand unprepared in front of the crowd. So I practiced my heart out in front of the vanity table mirror in our guest room at home every day until I felt my 30 second opening act was just right. The dreaded day came and I delivered it. I survived. I did not die. My ten year old self wearing my black and white dog tooth top and balloon skirt with the red waist band felt like I had achieved something major. I did. And I have been going on ever since. To the glory of God.

Public speaking can be nerve-wracking and to be honest the nerves dont ever leave fully, but one way you can manage and reduce that fear is by signing up for volunteer roles to develop your experience. I believe volunteering is still highly underrated but still one of the best ways to get great experience. At high profile industry events and conferences, if you are not one of the headline speakers you could volunteer to be a moderator, rapporteur or part of the planning committee which involves a lot of engagement and communication for instance. If you have gained a lot more experience but unsure where to start you can send your profile or CV highlighting your subject matter expertise to conference managers and event planners to consider making you a panelist. I recall a brilliant public speaking opportunity I got with World Football Summit in 2022 in South Africa. They had reached to me about attending as a delegate and I replied that actually I would love to speak and gave them several reasons why I would be a great addition to their line up. It worked and I had the opportunity to moderate a fantastic session and meet some incredible people whom I am still in touch with till today. It gives you an incredible opportunity to get yourself known and whilst learning the rope at the same time.

2. Amplifies Diverse Voices.

Public speaking allows you to share your unique perspective, which is crucial for diversity and inclusion. When you speak up, you bring your own experiences, ideas, and viewpoints to the table. This is important because everyone has something valuable to contribute, and different perspectives make discussions richer and more meaningful.

Someone I admire a lot is Malala Yousafzai, who despite facing threats for advocating for girls' education, and nearly died in the process uses public speaking to champion a powerful cause. As a human being I have no doubt that at some point in her life especially as she became an advocate at such a young age, 15 to be precise, she would have had fears and reservations. But by conquering her fear, she inspired millions to fight for a just case, which is gender equality and girls and womens' right to education in her native Pakistan. Her incredible courage has led to the creation of the Malala Fund for education and she has also been awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. One of the youngest recipients to receive this prestigious award. Her voice, along with countless others, helps create a more inclusive space for everyone.

Taking all this into perspective, by speaking publicly, you help create a platform for voices that might not have been heard before. This encourages a more inclusive environment where a variety of opinions and backgrounds are represented. Public speaking can help ensure that everyone gets a chance to be heard and that all ideas are considered, making the community or workplace more diverse and inclusive. What are you passionate about? What causes do you support? You can speak about them. Or are you a talented communicator. Maybe you can consider being an advocate, or even an MC or a compere or teach and be a facilitator in a niche area. The opportunities are endless.

3. Master the Art of Assertiveness.

Public speaking hones your ability to assert yourself. When you can confidently express your ideas in front of a group, you become more comfortable advocating for yourself in other situations.

Practising public speaking helps you learn how to clearly articulate and share your thoughts. This skill is valuable not just on stage or in presentations, but also in everyday situations like meetings, discussions, and negotiations. When you practise public speaking, you gain the confidence to speak up and share your brilliant ideas. This empowers you to stand up for your beliefs, make your opinions heard, and contribute more effectively in any setting.

4. Develops and Sharpens Your Communication Skills.

Public speaking, like writing, is a life skill that refines your communication. The more you practise crafting clear and concise messages for an audience, the better you become at communicating in all areas.

When you practice public speaking, you learn how to organise your thoughts quickly and express them clearly. This helps you in everyday conversations, meetings, and even in writing. Each time you prepare and deliver a speech, you improve your ability to get your point across in a straightforward and engaging way. Public speaking equips you to be a more effective communicator, making it easier for others to understand and connect with your ideas. According to Simon Sinek, the importance of starting with your purpose mirrors the need for crafting clear and concise messages. Additionally, his engaging storytelling and simple language demonstrate how organising your thoughts leads to impactful communication.

5. Builds Thought Leadership

Barack Obama’s rise to prominence during his presidential campaigns highlighted his exceptional public speaking abilities. Although he may not have written all his speeches, his powerful delivery effectively communicated his ideas and played a significant role in his electoral success. Winning the majority of the popular vote twice, he became the first Democratic president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to achieve this. Obama's mastery of public speaking demonstrates its potential as a powerful tool for success. His ability to captivate audiences transformed nervous speakers into confident communicators.

Just like Obama’s engaging speeches, strong public speaking skills can leave a lasting impression on your employers and colleagues. Confidently delivering presentations, showcasing leadership, and influencing decisions are crucial. These skills open doors to promotions, conferences, and negotiations, making you a valuable asset in any field. Public speaking not only boosts your confidence but also helps you stand out, significantly impacting your career and professional relationships.

I hope you enjoyed reading this edition as much as I did writing this. If you enjoyed this edition please reshare and like and leave a comment.

Continue to Develop Your A-Game.