Why You Need to Be a Decent Public Speaker

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Great article and tips, Karen! By learning to effectively formulate, express and sell ideas to others, a whole new world of career possibilities will become available. Toastmasters, which has helped more than 4 million people hone their communication and leadership skills, can help. Think of it as an affordable onsite training class for all types of professionals – a communication makeover if you will – where members meet once a week for an hour to practice communication in a supportive setting. For more information about Toastmasters, please visit www.toastmasters.org

Katie of CA 12:19PM June 10, 2010

I totally agree when you make a mistake correct yourself smile and carry on sure when you speak up you become visible if at a cut throat phase of life you give yourself a leading step. you also gain alot by making everyone have confidence and opening up more where you can discuss or brain storm to get to solutions!

flossiey 6:58PM June 09, 2010

This is so true. I remember from my working days how we tried to get good input from the people working on the factory floor, because they were really the experts in how to design and build our equipment. Most of the workers there were inexperienced speakers, but those few who could simply, cogently and accurately deliver their input were worth their weight in gold, and for many, it led to recognition and promotion. These were not your usual business speakers, believe me. Part of the lesson learned here was to have the fortitude to step up and speak, and then to speak, as said, clearly, cogently and accurately. Also: Keep it simple, keep it focused and keep it fast - difficult - but important for effective communication.

A. Reader of WA 4:43PM June 09, 2010

Karen, great article. Learning to speak in public is one of the best things you can do for YOURSELF, even apart from career considerations. Nothing feels more empowering than dealing with a big fear. You can will be amazed at the results. I, too, thought I would never NOT be nervous (as stated in #1 above), but I found that not only did I manage my nerves, my excitement about speaking took the place of the nerves for a completely different speaking experience. So you can transform those nerves, and even if their still present it will feel differently.

Melissa Wadsworth of WA 3:53PM June 09, 2010

Learning Quality Public Communication Skills is paramount to a successful career.
I was a failing Inside Representative for the San Diego Union-Tribune (1 of the largest Metro Newspaper in the US) when I joined Toastmasters to learn public speaking. The skills and confidence I gained from the Taoastmasters manual's had not only made me a successful Rep I am now the Special Sections Coordinator of the entire paper.

Rob Kitson of CA 12:22PM June 09, 2010