2 Key Skills Public Speaking Taught Me

By Ruoro Kairu 

I have always been an extroverted person. I go out of my way to make new friends and connect with other professionals. One on one conversations are easy and we can talk for hours on various topics.

A few months back, I attended a social event. Towards the end, the master of ceremony left, and I was asked to take over. I was a little nervous, but I was certain I could do it.

When I got to the stage, I froze! My mouth run dry, my palms were sweaty and I just couldn’t move. I stood there with the microphone, rumbling about the weather and other random topics.

After the event, I decided I had to improve on my communication skills, especially when I’m in front of a crowd.

I signed up for the speak with the confidence training program at Corporate Staffing Services.

Through the training, I gained a better understanding of what public speaking is. I was able to build my confidence, and could easily and confidently speak before any crowd.

I finished the training a while back. But the lessons I learned still applies to date.

Here are two key lessons I learned from attending the public speaking class.

1. Public speaking goes beyond you standing at a stage and addressing an audience

Initially, I thought of public speaking as being in front of an audience with a boring PowerPoint presentation.

However, during the training, I came to understand it’s much more than just that. For example, you can exercise public speaking when you’re at a meeting or even when networking.

Essentially, public speaking teaches on the importance of effective communication skills, and how you can use these skills in your everyday interactions.

After learning this, it was easier to understand why confident professionals are the ones who thrive and get promotions in the workplace.

2. Practice makes perfect

When I made my first presentation in the class. I was very nervous; I could barely stand in front of the audience for more than two minutes.

After the presentation, the other members gave me feedback. The following week, I made corrections on the areas that had been pointed out. My presentation was a lot better.

I started allocating some time to practice my presentation. By the time we were graduating, I could confidently face the audience and effectively deliver my presentation.

Eventually, I have learned to perfect my presentation skills. While the training is over, I learned skills that apply to everyday life.

Join the upcoming speak with the confidence training program at Corporate Staffing Services.