October 2006

Mastering “Must-Have” Speaking Skills

peaking well in front of an audience is no longer just a great skill to have, a “plus” in the business world. Whether you’re selling a product, submitting a progress report, presenting research results, training or motivating your team, or delivering a keynote address at a business conference, speaking skills are almost expected and are certainly an essential tool for success.

The good news is that public speaking is a measurable skill that can be mastered, not a gift doled out to only a few charismatic individuals.

And the better news is that when you master public speaking, you advance your career. That’s because speaking helps you:

• Strengthen your leadership position.
• Build your personal brand, gaining recognition, visibility and respect.
• Increase your influence, as you put forth your ideas and information.
• Enhance your ability to promote your company and its products or services.

There are numerous books on public speaking, all offering valuable information and different angles on the topic. Keep these tips in mind to speak like a pro:

Plan

Start by knowing your audience. Who are they? What do they really want or need to know? What is their vocabulary? How much do they know already? What works with them? Be clear also on your purpose; distill that purpose into one sentence.

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