Why public speaking? Show me an effective leader, and I'll show you a good communicator. The same can be said of most successful professionals. Good speaking skills help you: communicate more effectively, build stronger professional relationships, and better adjust to the working climate. What is public speaking? Public speaking is more than talking to an audience from a podium. When you speak to others, it's public speaking. That includes: conference calls, panel discussions, board meetings, speeches, interviews and even small talk. What's your objective? While you may be selling your message, you're also selling yourself. And in the longrun, your image and your reputation are most important. What's my approach? Sure, you need to master the basic speaking skills, such as use of inflections, gestures, and vocal variety. But I believe it's the intangibles that set speakers apart. Do you speak conversationally? Do you sound genuine? Are you authoritative? Those are the things I focus on. Who needs training? Whether you're a professional, an aspiring professional, a manager or a student, you can benefit from improved speaking skills. If you've been asked to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime speech before the scouts, a few tips wouldn't hurt either.

Peter Iglinski is a veteran broadcaster and trained public speaker

Contact: | | |