One of the toughest things I have done in my career is to stand in front of an audience and speak. Not just speak but speak without wobbles, losing my place in my rehearsed patter, or sweating profusely. Is this familiar to you?
Presentation skills is a valuable asset. Particularly in the business context where a bad presentation can be a deal-breaker. Conversely a good presentation, and presentation style, can be good for your profile and personal brand in your workplace.
Thankfully I conquered my fear, and what it has done is given me more confidence in the every-day. Why? Well I found that getting confident in public speaking helped me improve my memory, think quickly on my feet (figuratively and specifically!), speaking articulately and overcoming the fear of failure. The last point is the most important... because everyone fails at some point but the fear of failure is more deblitating than the failure itself, in this context.
So how did I do it? I read a book on it (see below). But I also practised by putting myself in situations where I was forced to speak publically. At first I blundered (fantastically once), but each time it got better and better. It really is a case of practise makes perfect. I don't think there is any other way.
I'm not here to push product, but I would like to recommend this book to you as it is what helped me become a better speaker. This book was written way back, I think in the 1940's, but everything it discusses applies today - it's stood the test of time. And it is such good value, you can't lose.
