Candidates with strong public speaking skills are in demand.

If you’re someone who is dynamic and comfortable public speaking at work, then you have a desirable edge over someone who is not.

The truth is, there is much to be gained by developing your public speaking skills even if you’re only just getting started in your career.

Here are six examples of how developing strong public speaking skills can help you professionally:

Your employer will value you.

If you’re a good public speaker, then you’re also demonstrating competence and confidence. These are two traits that employers value highly in their people.

Gain credibility and kudos.

The fear of public speaking is so widespread that most people will shy away from it at all costs. But if you’re showing up as someone who accepts and embraces opportunities to speak in front of people then your colleagues will respect you for it.

Your talent will be celebrated.

Effective public speaking is a without a doubt a prized and respected talent to have. Organisations want to nurture their people’s talents.

This is why many HR and L&D departments offer public speaking training as part of their people development offerings so make sure you take advantage of these to further enhance your skills!

People will know who you are.

Public speaking will help you to attain visibility within your organisation. If the right people know your name and who you are then you might find yourself being put forward for new assignments and promotions.

Become recognised as a leader.

We associate public speaking with leaders. If you’re showcasing your ability to deliver a speech or presentation, then you are demonstrating leadership characteristics and potential.

Develop an industry-wide reputation.

Taking part as a speaker at conferences and events within your industry will help to elevate your reputation in the wider professional field.

A great presentation in these settings will position you as an expert, and often, once you speak at one event, you’ll be invited to speak at others alongside industry thought leaders.

These are brilliant opportunities to network, earn credence and gain exposure to other organisations who may offer you your next career opportunity!

If you’re reading this feeling a bit overwhelmed and wondering “this is all great, but where do I start?” then stay with me…

I’ve put together some tailored guidance to help you get started!

Just identify which statement below resonates most with you and read my tips beneath it.

“I’m just starting out in my career and want to start developing my public speaking skills.”

There are some really useful FREE courses that you can do on Alison.

These are great because they will help you become an effective public speaker in the comfort of your own home and on your schedule.

Here are a few examples of courses I’d recommend for you:

Here are a few books which would be great for you to read too:

Start putting your newly acquired skills to good use by speaking up in meetings, putting yourself forward to deliver presentations or training.

Practise body language techniques on your colleagues. Make yourself known to the HR / L&D teams that you’d like to participate in any available public speaking training.

You’ll soon find that your confidence will start to grow and speaking in front of people is something you’re comfortable doing.

“I’m not new to my job but realise I need to speak more confidently in meetings and want to improve my presentation skills.”

There are some really useful FREE courses that you can do on Alison.

These are great because they will help you become a confident public speaker in the comfort of your own home and on your schedule.

Here are a few examples of ones I’d recommend for you:

Here are some books which would make for helpful reading too:

Use presentations and meetings (even informal ones) as opportunities to showcase your public speaking knowledge and growing abilities.

Ask to attend conferences or webinars to watch speakers in action and observe their techniques.

“I am fairly comfortable and confident with public speaking. How do I enhance myself professionally?”

If your priority is gaining recognition and raising your profile, then you need start putting yourself out there.

The best way to do this is by identifying industry related conferences, webinars, events, breakfast briefings, festivals etc that you would like to be involved in and finding out the contact details of the event organiser.

Reach out to the organiser and make yourself known as a prospective industry speaker. You could also go along to conferences as an attendee and speak to the organisers on site.

Believe me you will be making the life of the conference organiser SO MUCH EASIER. If you’re a senior professional in your field they will most likely welcome you as a speaker on board a relevant event.

I have produced conferences for almost 10 years now and it is honestly such a help to receive inbound speaker enquiries from industry leaders.

There are also some really useful FREE courses that you can do on Alison.

These are great because they will help you become a confident public speaker in the comfort of your own home and on your schedule.

Here are a few examples of ones I’d recommend for you:

If you prefer reading, then give these gems a go:

TED Talks and Talk Like TED 2 Books Collection set (2019)

If you are serious about brushing up on your presentation and communication skills, then you could give Speeko a go. This is a brilliant AI tool that gives you instant feedback and picks up on filler words. Read more here.

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Thanks for reading!

I hope this article has inspired you to embrace public speaking and unlock some pretty cool professional opportunities!

Tilly x

The online training and books listed above are resources that I genuinely recommend and believe to be useful. If you purchase courses or books after clicking one of the affiliate links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to pay Empowered Public Speaking admin costs so I can continue to support you on your public speaking journey.

From the Blog

Public speaking at work: 6 ways Public Speaking Skills will Help You Professionally

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