How to Stop Being Afraid of Public Speaking in Front of Groups

One of the best I have learned to handle my fear of public speaking in front of groups is simple.
Prepare and Practice. Prepare and Practice. Prepare and Practice and then give your speech or talk.

Like all things worthwhile it takes time and commitment to succeed at public speaking.

For more tips email me at tomborg@tomborgconsulting.com

Tom Borg is a marketing, sales and customer service expert, consultant and popular Small Business Association of MI radio show guest. For more information on his services please contact him at 734-404-5909 or visit his website at:

www.TomBorgConsulting.com

Two Tips to Learn How to Speak in Front of a Group

One of the most important tools you can possess in being an effective manager is your presentation skills.

Far too often the skill of speaking in public is overlooked. It is a critical component that you are able to communicate clearly and smoothly when you present in a meeting or teleconference. People are watching and listening to you. They are judging and forming opinions about you every time you open your mouth and speak in public.

There is no room for the “ums”, “ahs”, “you knows” and other word garbage that most people use in speaking. These verbal miscues will only label you as a poor communicator in the business world. It is true that a person’s level of intelligence is usually judged based on how well they can communicate in a one on one situation or in front of a group. When I deliver speech coaching to my clients I give them a series of exercises to break this bad habit.

Make a Commitment to Speak in Public
Here are two things you can do to improve your public speaking skills. First, make a commitment to learn how to do it well. One way to get better at speaking in front of others is to simply start doing it.

Look for opportunities to lead a group, assist in running a meeting, or to teach others how to do a particular skill. Any of these activities can give you valuable practice in learning and refining your skills.

This is illustrated by the story about the concert violinist who stopped a mounted police officer in the city of New York and asked how to get to Carnegie Hall. The police officer replied, “practice, practice and more practice”. On a more serious note, regular practice can help you improve your speaking skills dramatically.

Take a Public Speaking Class
The second way to learn how to improve your speaking skills is to take a course. There are several good programs like the Dale Carnegie Course or a speech class at a local community college, that can help you learn skills of public speaking. One of the best ways to do it is to hire a private speech coach. Don’t be afraid to invest in the tools to help you develop your ability to speak in front of groups. They will more than pay for themselves over your life time.

So, in summary, make a commitment learn how to speak in front of groups and look for every opportunity to do it. Finally, hire a speech coach or take a class on public speaking and develop the skill that will open doors for you in your career.

Tom Borg is a consultant, author, trainer and coach. He is president of Tom Borg Consulting LLC. He works with the managers and employees of businesses and non-profits in the area of professional development and customer service training. He is the author of the book/cd “Making Service Count”. You can contact him at: 734-812-0526, email: tomborg@tomborgconsulting or visit his website at www.tomborgconsulting.com