What do you do if your professionals need guidance in improving their public speaking skills?
Public speaking is a vital skill for professionals in any field, but it can also be a source of anxiety and frustration for many. If you are a leader, manager, or mentor who wants to help your team members improve their presentation skills, you might wonder what steps you can take to provide effective guidance and feedback. In this article, we will explore some strategies and tips that you can use to support your professionals in becoming more confident and competent speakers.
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Isabel Causadias, PhD.Associate Professor of Art & Design HIST.; Cultural Policies; Art Market || Driving Innovation in Higher Education
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Lim Chang Jing, CSM, PMPLead Project Manager @ Lumen Technologies | Managing Complex Programs | Certified Scrum Master | Distinguished…
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Adam PalmerTalent and Development Adviser at Medical Protection Society
Before you can offer any advice or coaching, you need to understand the current strengths and weaknesses of your professionals. You can do this by observing their presentations, asking them to self-evaluate, or using a rubric or checklist to rate their performance. Some common areas to assess include content, structure, delivery, audience engagement, and visual aids. Try to identify specific aspects that need improvement, such as clarity, coherence, eye contact, voice, gestures, or transitions.
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-Join Toastmasters, a public speaking and leadership organization. It is cheapest and you can find a mentor free there. -Do volunteer work that enhances communication skills. -Offer to assist those above you at your organization. -Work on proposals for your next project.
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Consider offering workshops or enrolling them in courses specifically designed to improve public speaking. These can provide a structured learning environment with expert instruction and opportunities for practice. Develop internal resources like presentations or online modules on public speaking. These resources can cover topics like crafting a speech, using body language effectively, and managing nerves. Create a mentorship program where experienced public speakers can coach and provide feedback to less experienced colleagues. Provide opportunities for your professionals to practice their speaking skills in a safe and supportive environment. Encourage professionals to seek feedback .
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𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙞𝙣. When the people who you are privileged to lead are in need of improving the very skills (presentation skills) that will allow then to shine and reveal their work, talent and unique contributions - then you are in the best position to help them. So help them. Get them Presentation Skills training from someone who is called to do that for them. (plug: like me) Put them in a position to succeed. When they go from being hesitant to happy to present, you will have unlocked a major asset in the team, who can be trusted to present and represent the best of what your organisation has to offer.
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Here's what one can do to help his professional team improve their public speaking skills: Workshops and courses: Public speaking courses can provide a structured learning environment to develop skills. Toastmasters International: Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization that provides a supportive environment for people to practice their public speaking skills. Internal coaching: Consider offering in-house coaching or mentorship programs. Feedback and video recording: Encourage professionals to record themselves practicing presentations and then review the recording to identify areas for improvement. Focus on storytelling: Encourage professionals to incorporate storytelling elements into their presentations
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Reaching out to a coach for public speaking or presentation skills, including group workshops, can be beneficial. Recording and analyzing presentations, focusing on factors like pronunciation, gestures, and audience engagement, and offering positive feedback with improvement suggestions are valuable approaches. Nervousness before speaking engagements can be eased with goog preparation and relaxation techniques. It typically diminishes after the first few minutes, often unnoticed by the audience.
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Well, I have had the privilege of guiding my managers to speak publicly and I found out that one of the best ways is by observation and example. I showed them how I wanted to address the audience. the new sat down together to take out and place in what they were more comfortable saying and the new asked a lot of familiar faces to be in the room with them, at least to occupy the first front seats during their delivery and I must tell you, that changed the game.
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You are in the ideal position to assist others under your direction if they are in need of acquiring specific talents that can allow them to shine and demonstrate their work, talent, and distinguishing contributions. Pronunciation, pace, pause, punch, power, passion, and posture are the seven Ps. Think about putting on workshops or enrolling them in classes meant to help them become outstanding public speakers. Implement a mentorship program so that more seasoned public speakers can advise and critique their less seasoned peers. Give your professionals the chance to hone their public speaking abilities in a comfortable and welcoming situation. Prompt experts to ask for comments.
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Presenting is a learned discipline. You can always differentiate the pros from otherwise by one simple but irritating behavior - swaying while they are talking. Numerous other things as well none the least of which are poor communication skills. The fastest way to get to the pro level is by joining ToastMasters.
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Helping coworkers get better at public speaking means figuring out what they need, setting up training, pushing practice, giving feedback, creating an environment for growth, and giving people the tools they need to succeed. It boosts confidence, teamwork, and output, making the staff more effective.
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The first step in guiding professionals to improve their public speaking skills is to assess their current strengths and areas for improvement. Conducting individual assessments or surveys can help identify specific challenges such as stage fright, lack of confidence, or ineffective delivery techniques. Based on these insights, tailored training programs or workshops can be designed to address the unique needs of each professional.
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Providing access to resources such as online courses, books, and videos on public speaking fundamentals can be immensely beneficial. These resources can cover topics like structuring a speech, effective use of visual aids, voice modulation, body language, and engaging with the audience. Encouraging professionals to regularly practice and apply these concepts in real-life scenarios, such as team meetings or presentations, can reinforce learning and build confidence over time.
Once you have a clear picture of their needs, you can help your professionals set realistic and measurable goals for their public speaking improvement. For example, you might suggest that they aim to reduce filler words, increase pauses, or use more stories and examples. You can also help them prioritize their goals and focus on one or two areas at a time. Make sure that the goals are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
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Public speaking can feel overwhelming, so by giving your team members clear, bite-sized goals it makes it more manageable. Start by identifying the 2-3 things that need the most work and give them a realistic goal that will help them strengthen those skills. Then, once you’ve made progress there, you can work on different skills. This process will repeat until your team feels confident with the basics of public speaking.
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In addition to setting SMART goals, it's important to provide your professionals with actionable strategies and techniques to help them achieve their goals. This could include practicing specific exercises, such as vocal warm-ups or storytelling techniques, or providing resources, such as books or online courses, to help them improve their skills. By offering practical guidance and support, you can help your professionals make meaningful progress towards their public speaking goals.
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By assessing the needs of the professionals through conducting surveys or focus group discussions with professionals to gather their input on the types of support or resources they feel would be most helpful in improving their public speaking skills.
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Once you have a clear picture of their needs, you can help your professionals set realistic and measurable goals for their public speaking improvement. For example, you might suggest that they aim to reduce filler words, increase pauses, or use more stories and examples. You can also help them prioritize their goals and focus on one or two areas at a time. Make sure that the goals are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
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Help professionals set SMART goals for public speaking improvement, focusing on areas like reducing filler words or increasing pauses. Prioritize goals and ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This approach enhances focus and tracks progress effectively.
Feedback is essential for learning and growth, but it needs to be delivered in a constructive and supportive way. You can use the sandwich method, which involves starting and ending with positive comments and sandwiching the constructive criticism in between. You can also use the STAR method, which involves describing the situation, the task, the action, and the result of their presentation. Be specific, honest, and balanced in your feedback, and avoid vague or harsh comments. Don't forget to praise their efforts and achievements, and encourage them to keep practicing and learning.
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Once, our team struggled with public speaking. We invited a seasoned speaker for a workshop. Through practice and feedback, we improved significantly, boosting our confidence and presentation impact.
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Improving speaking skills is akin to refining a gem; it's about sculpting confidence and clarity from raw potential. Start with personalized feedback, pinpointing areas for growth while reinforcing their strengths. Encourage them to embrace the story within their message, making it relatable and memorable. Practicing in varied settings can acclimate them to different audiences. Incorporating pauses and emphasizing key points can enhance their delivery. Remind them that nerves are normal, but preparation nd passion can turn those butterflies into fuel. Finally, suggest watching skilled speakers for inspiration, analyzing techniques that resonate with their style. This journey isn't just about speaking well it's about connecting deeply
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It is my belief that having a go-to person-one whom you trust totally and I mean totally- to be honest with you is absolutely essential. In my case, it is my wife. She is honest (but not brutally :) ) to give me feedback on whether I hit the mark or missed it. She has let me know I repeated myself too much or that I was unclear in something I said.
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Feedback is essential for learning and growth, but it needs to be delivered in a constructive and supportive way. You can use the sandwich method, which involves starting and ending with positive comments and sandwiching the constructive criticism in between. You can also use the STAR method, which involves describing the situation, the task, the action, and the result of their presentation. Be specific, honest, and balanced in your feedback, and avoid vague or harsh comments. Don't forget to praise their efforts and achievements, and encourage them to keep practicing and learning.
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Public speaking can arise from two key factors: - An individual possessing a pertinent message and the confidence to convey it to a public audience. - A proficient command of language, ensuring clear communication that is accessible to all, while maintaining sensitivity towards diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Therefore, individuals seeking to enhance their communication skills should prioritise both expanding their knowledge base and refining their communication abilities.
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Offer constructive feedback using methods like the sandwich or STAR approach, balancing positive comments with constructive criticism. Be specific, honest, and encouraging, avoiding harshness or vagueness. Acknowledge their efforts, praise achievements, and motivate continued practice and learning for sustained improvement in public speaking skills.
Another way to help your professionals improve their public speaking skills is to share useful resources and tips that they can access and apply on their own. You might recommend books, articles, podcasts, videos, or courses that cover topics such as storytelling, persuasion, body language, or slide design. You can also share your own experiences and insights, and offer some practical tips that worked for you. For example, you might suggest that they rehearse their presentation out loud, record themselves and watch it back, or ask for feedback from a trusted colleague or friend.
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Improving public speaking is pivotal for professional growth. Start by sharing resources like TED Talks for inspiration and techniques. Encourage joining groups like Toastmasters for practice and feedback. Highlight the importance of knowing the audience and tailoring content accordingly. Stress rehearsal's role in confidence building. Recommend using storytelling to connect and engaging through questions. Tips like these can transform public speaking from daunting to empowering, elevating both personal and team success.
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I would recommend recording themself and watching it back which is so easy to do with applications like teams. Yes it’s a bit cringeworthy but you can see and hear what the audience will see and hear and focus on what you’ve done well and what you might need to practice.
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I would share a few tips that helped me improve my public presentation skills: 1. Prepare your presentation and speech well in advance. 2. Practice your presentation in front of a mirror (to build confidence). 3. Record your presentation and review it with someone you trust (for suggestions/recommendations). 4. Incorporate the suggestions and re-record the presentation. 5. Compare the two recordings yourself.
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In addition to sharing resources and tips, consider organizing workshops or training sessions for your professionals to further develop their public speaking skills. These sessions can provide hands-on practice, personalized feedback, and opportunities for peer learning and collaboration. By creating a supportive and interactive learning environment, you can help your professionals build confidence, refine their techniques, and become more effective communicators.
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Tips to improve public soeaking skills :- ✅ Joining a Toastmasters club provides opportunities for regular practice, feedback, and skill development. ✅ Study the techniques of successful speakers by watching TED Talks, attending live presentations, or reading books on public speaking. Analyze their delivery style, storytelling techniques, and engagement strategies to glean insights for improving your own speaking skills. ✅Enroll in public speaking courses or workshops offered by professional organizations, universities, or online platforms. These courses typically cover essential public speaking techniques, such as voice modulation, body language, and audience engagement strategies.
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One thing that I found helpful is to participate in the Toastmasters meetings. The group motivate and embrace the same difficulties, it easy to grow and develop learning within a group.
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Another way to help your professionals improve their public speaking skills is to share useful resources and tips that they can access and apply on their own. You might recommend books, articles, podcasts, videos, or courses that cover topics such as storytelling, persuasion, body language, or slide design. You can also share your own experiences and insights, and offer some practical tips that worked for you. For example, you might suggest that they rehearse their presentation out loud, record themselves and watch it back, or ask for feedback from a trusted colleague or friend.
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Empower professionals by sharing resources like books, podcasts, and courses on public speaking. Offer practical tips such as rehearsing presentations, recording themselves, and seeking feedback. Share personal experiences and insights to enrich their learning journey and accelerate improvement in public speaking skills.
Finally, you can help your professionals improve their public speaking skills by creating more opportunities and challenges for them to practice and showcase their abilities. You might invite them to present at a meeting, a workshop, a conference, or a webinar. You might also assign them different topics, formats, audiences, or time limits to challenge them to adapt and improvise. You can also create a supportive environment where they can learn from each other, exchange feedback, and celebrate their successes.
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You can enhance your professionals' public speaking skills by offering additional chances and hurdles for them to hone and display their talents. Consider inviting them to speak at various events like meetings, workshops, conferences, or webinars. Additionally, vary their assignments by providing different topics, formats, audiences, or time constraints to encourage adaptation and improvisation. Foster a supportive atmosphere where they can learn from one another, exchange feedback, and commemorate their achievements.
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✅ Assign professionals to present on a variety of topics, in different presentation formats (e.g., TED-style talks, panel discussions, workshops), and to diverse audiences. Example: Challenge a marketing manager to deliver a TED-style talk on the future of digital marketing trends encouraging them to distill complex concepts into engaging and impactful presentations. ✅ Set time limits and constraints for presentations to challenge professionals to deliver concise and focused messages within specific parameters. Example: Ask a sales executive to pitch a new product idea in a 3-minute elevator pitch competition, pushing them to communicate the value proposition effectively and succinctly to potential investors or stakeholders.
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Learning on the job is very important. Giving the team opportunities to test their skills and hone them in small ways before throwing larger challenges their way is a great way to build competence and confidence.
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In my opinion, Introducing an activity of presenting a subject to the team members by each one of them during the weekly meeting. And gathering the team feedback and comments will help. It has to be limited with a time and the feedback should be structured coupled with follow up plan.
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Passionate about empowering teams to achieve excellence through effective to communication and collaboration. Committed to fostering a culture of continues learning and growth
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Recommend they video themselves practicing the presentation. Easy to do now in private with a phone. We are often our own best critics.
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Creating opportunities for professionals to enhance their presentation skills is vital for their growth and success. Offer workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs focused on communication and public speaking. Encouraging participation in relevant conferences or providing access to online courses can also broaden their skill set and empower them to excel in their roles.
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Finally, you can help your professionals improve their public speaking skills by creating more opportunities and challenges for them to practice and showcase their abilities. You might invite them to present at a meeting, a workshop, a conference, or a webinar. You might also assign them different topics, formats, audiences, or time limits to challenge them to adapt and improvise. You can also create a supportive environment where they can learn from each other, exchange feedback, and celebrate their successes.
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To me, this is ALL about confidence. So many of us feel like we are in a room of people smarter than us. However, if you've spent time working on yourself and your expertise, maybe, just maybe, YOU are the smartest person in the room. NEVER feel like you don't know what you're talking about. Surround yourself with others who share a passion for things you do as well. Eventually, talking about those things simply become second nature. Which means, when you need to teach or mentor on them, it's simply second nature!
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Foster skill development by offering diverse speaking opportunities like meetings, workshops, or webinars. Challenge them with varied topics, formats, and audiences to encourage adaptability and growth. Cultivate a supportive atmosphere for peer learning, feedback exchange, and celebrating achievements, enhancing their journey in mastering public speaking.
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I know this sounds cliche, but, fake it till you make it! When I first started in my career, I was VERY new to the industry, but had a really great title! Many clients believed I was the expert, and knew it all. It couldn't have been further from the truth. But, I kept learning, reading, and listening to others who truly WERE experts. Eventually, when talking to clients on the phone, I would even surprise myself at how easy those conversations became!
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Public speaking is a challenge to anyone and would really take one's experience to have the confidence to stand in front of a crowd. It would be best to really know their strengths and weakness, mannerisms, fillers, focus and etc. Ask your proffessional to freestyle any topic to see these. Constructive criticism after the freestyle is a big help and give suggestions how can they improve and if they can manage those advice. But the best help after this would be be present during the speech to boost his confidence. After the speech, give a "good job" or a thumbs up.
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Some laymen tips i always offer - Remember that what you shall speak or present only you know, so do not bother about missing something or jumbling two points. ( This gives confidence as this is the fear most professionals have regarding public speaking) - Mock up sessions with your friends families. You should always use your close friends families to speak up during gatherings or even conduct mock sessions. Those who care would love to help ! - Practice practice practice- All the best speakers had been novice, so theres no substitute for this. Cheers !
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Eager to contribute and amplify diverse skiils on LinkedIn, paving the way for mutual growth and recognition through the skills voice badge
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Preparation is key & practice makes perfect. If you are knowledgeable on the subject matter being presented, you are less likely to get nervous.
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Remember, presenting is counterintuitive. It's an act of bravery to stand up and convey your ideas, often going against our natural inclinations to stay within our comfort zones. If you want to improve public speaking, you should public speak. Often.
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I recommend recording yourself and watching your own playbacks. This allows you to hear yourself & find your own professional style and voice. I also always stress that practice makes progress!
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