For some entrepreneurs, public speaking comes naturally. They’re able to spin their vision into a captivating story or an effective sales pitch. But that’s not the case for every small business owner.
Research from the National Institute of Mental Health, Dale Carnegie Training, and many others, has shown that an estimated three out of four people name public speaking as their top fear. As a public speaking coach, we work to help professionals overcome their public speaking fear so that they can better present the benefits of their brands and organizations.
Many business owners are skilled at talking about their companies in intimate settings. With practice, they can transfer that ability to a large group. Here are 6 tips for how to do it:
1. Make sure you’ve earned the right to speak
The “fear” many people encounter with public speaking results from their lack of confidence on their grasp of the topic or material. They try to memorize their speech or “powerpoint” their audience to death! To alleviate 90% of that stress simply and honestly answer for yourself: “Why have I earned the right to deliver this talk?” Have you had a relevant personal experience? Did you gain relevant experience through school or study?
Powerful speakers build their confidence and effectiveness by establishing themselves as the person who should be speaking!
2. Are you excited about the topic
The ability to effect change, get people to move, or simply to get people to listen starts with how excited we are about the topic we are speaking about. Leaders can only lead as far as they themselves have gone. If you have never experienced any success with your topic, how can you expect others to? A speaker’s power comes from the knowledge that THIS WORKS! A great speaker’s excitement is palatable, you may know fully understand what they are talking about yet, but you believe THEY believe it!
To check your “excitement” level answer for yourself: “Why am I excited about this subject?”
3. Are you eager and ready to share with your listeners or audience
If you have authentically answered the first two questions, this step will naturally be easy. When you have “earned” the right to speak, and are “excited” about the topic due to personal or anecdotal success your eagerness to share this with others will be barely contained! You see it so clearly! People need to know this! Their world will change because of this!
“Why are you eager to share this with your listeners?”
4. Get the audience involved
The bigger the group, the more likely a speaker is to focus on how people perceive him or her. But “Will they like me?” is the wrong question. The secret is to flip it around and focus instead on the audience. How do you make it interesting and engaging for them?
It often helps to open your remarks with something interactive. Ask your audience to answer a question or rate a product or experience with a show of hands. Start with a “startling statement” or an impactful personal experience that resonates both with the audience and the topic.
5. Be concise
Many people use four sentences when two would suffice. When you’re telling your story, keep it brief and punchy. Eliminate filler words such as “um,” “very,” and “basically” and reach for strong, emotional language to describe your product or company. If we are truly making it about our audience then less is more! The more we speak, the less prepared we are and the more it’s about “us” the speaker. The less we speak the more powerful the information and thus the more it’s really about our listeners.
6. Tell stories
Statistics touch the head, but stories touch the heart. Share anecdotes that illustrate a problem that your company helped to solve, and it will humanize your brand. The more you can articulate that in an emotional frame, the more you connect to people.
Believe in what you’re saying
Most people become more confident speakers when they tap into their passion for a topic. That’s when they stop feeling like salespeople and start behaving like advocates for their brand or company. If I believe in my business, and I get someone to try it who hasn’t before, then I feel like I’m doing them a favor! Learning a few basic techniques for speaking can take anyone’s message from good to great.
I don’t put talent into people. I help let it out. Contact me TODAY and let’s get you MOVING on the right track!
Roland Gilbert
As a Dale Carnegie Certified Trainer & Coach, my mission is to coach individuals for intentional, authentic living. This mission is accomplished through workshops, speaking, writing and coaching. For over 10 years I have trained leaders and have helped people grow. My experience includes working with several large manufacturing corporations, hundreds of individuals and groups, and as an active ministry worker of my church. Because of my diverse background I am able to help clients effectively address all aspects of life