If you took a poll of all of your co-workers and asked them what was one of their biggest work-related fears, they would mention something about public speaking.
Whether it’s presenting in front of a large audience or only a few people in a meeting, something about speaking in public strikes deep fear and panic in some people.
Even if it doesn’t scare you, most people are not confident about their ability to communicate their ideas clearly in this type of format.
For some people, this is not a big concern. However, if you have set significant career-centered goals for 2021 and beyond, developing your public speaking skills must be priority.
When it comes to prioritizing your professional development, it is key to understand what type of investment is going to yield the most impact. Before choosing to invest in a public speaking course it’s important to determine if it is for you. In today’s post, we are going to look at the 5 signs that signal that you should consider public speaking coaching.
#1 – Your Career Path Will Involve Presenting
When we talk about public speaking, your mind may go straight to presenting in front of large crowds. Since that type of presenting is reserved for the few, you may not think your current career path requires public speaking coaching.
However, public speaking can take several forms including presenting in front of your team, the executives at your company, or even just your direct supervisor.
In your current role, are you required to present your ideas on a regular basis? If so, do you feel like there is room for improvement when it comes to clearly communicating your ideas to the audience? Let’s think long-term. What position are you looking to get promoted into? How often will the person in that role have to speak publicly? Furthermore, being known as a polished presenter is only going to help your case when it comes time for your annual review.
#2 – You Are Or Plan To Be An Entrepreneur
The first steps in an individual’s journey to becoming a business owner is coming up with a great idea. The second step is sharing that idea with the world. This is where the journey stops for most people. They are unable to craft a strong brand message and sell it to their target audience. As any successful entrepreneur will tell you, the key to success to being able to present your ideas to the right people at the right time.
Most startups require some type of funding from investors. As an investor, you want to size up this opportunity before committing any of your capital. In most cases, an investor will request a formal presentation so they can get the full picture of your business.
The last thing you want is to panic
The last thing you want is to panic due to lack of preparation, lose focus, and miss a key point. It would be a shame if your innovative idea never had a chance to flourish because your lack of public speaking skills prevented you from securing the investments you needed.
#3 – You Are On Track To Become An Executive
If you are a seasoned workforce veteran with decades of experience under your belt, a high-paying executive position may be in your future. Until now, you may have been able to get away with average public speaking and presentation skills.
However, that will soon change once you ascend to a position in the c-suite. If you haven’t already, now would be the time to seriously invest in enhancing your public speaking skills and overcoming any stage fright you may have.
As an executive, you will be required to make high-level presentations on important topics including key facts, figures, and forecasts. It will paramount that you can speak clearly and in a manner that everyone will understand.
Otherwise, you risk alienating your workforce and leaving them uninformed and ill-prepared for the future. You may also be required to present in front of a board or shareholders. Again, this is an audience that expects a polish speaker to deliver a direct and impactful presentation every time.
#4 – Inability To Communicate Is Costing You At Work
The importance of effective communication cannot be overstated in the workplace. The inability to communicate your ideas can result in being passed over for major projects or promotions. Have you ever felt that you deserved to be doing or getting paid more at your job? Do you have great ideas but fail to get your co-workers onboard? Inefficient public speaking may be the culprit.
Do you have great ideas but fail to get your co-workers onboard?
Again, public speaking is not just about giving a big speech in front of a crowded auditorium. It is about being able to stand up in front of people and explain the ideas in your head. It is the ability to take people who are on the fence or against your idea and bring them over to your side. Once this happens, you have the manpower and resources you need to execute on your ideas. The result is a bolstered reputation for someone who can develop and execute impactful ideas.
#5 – There Is Something You Are Passionate About
While our first four points focus on your career, our last focus on your personal life. We all have causes that we are passionate about. Whether it’s curing a type of illness, aiding a group of people, or solving a social justice problem, we tend to have an interest in fixing some type of problem in the world. Having the ability to speak about this problem and the solutions it needs in a public setting is an invaluable asset to have.
As a skilled presenter, you can participate in events such as keynote addresses and panel discussions on the topic you are passionate about. It will also be an immensely helpful tool when trying to get businesses to donate to your cause or purchase a sponsorship for an upcoming fundraising event. Public speaking will empower you to speak about your topic with passion, energy, and clarity. This type of presentation is likely to motivate your audience to take your desired action.
Conclusion
Public speaking is a skill that can produce a massive return on investment. It is the skill that helps you achieve your goals and objectives both in and out of the workplace. Investing in public speaking and presentation coaching is an investment in your future and will result in the career you want and the financial freedom you deserve. If you are serious about enhancing your professional development in 2021, public speaking is the skill to start with.
If you want to really invest we have a great online course that will make you a Master Presenter in just one week.