You Can Get Better at Public Speaking

As a presentation skills coach and trainer, I have had the opportunity to observe presentations by many people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

It is my firm belief - and experience has not contradicted me - that while some people are more naturally comfortable with public speaking, EVERYONE can become competent at it, IF they spend the time and work on the right things. Yes, this means YOU, too!

We all know people who are very knowledgeable about a topic but can't communicate effectively. We also know people who don't know very much, but they "talk good." Each group of people can only get so far in their careers before they hit a roadblock. Your goal is to have both knowledge AND the ability to communicate that knowledge effectively.

The ability to communicate effectively what you know is the one skill that will differentiate you from everyone else. It doesn't matter what your background is, where you went to college (or even IF you went to college) or where you grew up - if you are an expert at something and can communicate that expertise effectively, you will succeed. Period.

Make this the time in your life that you commit to getting better at public speaking and eliminating the roadblock in your path to success and confidence.

How? There are many things you can do... practice, volunteer for opportunities to speak at work, join Toastmasters, hire a presentation skills coach, videotape yourself presenting, take a presentation skills class, watch a colleague who is a good presenter... the first step is to BELIEVE that you CAN get better and the second step is to COMMIT to spending the time and energy to get better.

Gilda Bonanno is a speaker, trainer and coach who helps people from all walks of life improve their communication and presentation skills.
Copyright (c) 2013

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