The Underestimated Benefits of Successful Speaking
Sunday, July 25th, 2010While many people are quick to agree that being a good public speaker enhances one’s business life, fewer consider capitalizing on this skill when they possess it. This is a mistake; the benefits of good public speaking skills are often underestimated and deserve greater attention.Being a good public speaker helps you persuade listeners to take actions you want them to take, makes you a valuable asset to any organization you are connected with, and is one of the best ways to generate business.There are few aspects of professional success that are more important than the power to persuade. Whether you are trying to convince your executive vice president of HR to adopt your latest initiative, or you are a business owner trying to close a deal, skill in public speaking allows you to organize your message, deliver it with an effective style, and defend your position with poise.If you are a professional working in the corporate arena, skill in public speaking is one of the best ways to demonstrate that you are ready to become an active spokesperson for ideas and initiatives of interest to your organization; it makes you a key player. When you make a dynamic impression by speaking on a given topic, you allow top executives to view you as someone with leadership qualities: an “idea” person who has the ability to persuade. So, find opportunities to speak within your organization: at meetings, forums, and company events. There is no better advertisement of your value or leadership qualities.If you are a business owner, using your skill at public speaker is one of the best ways to generate new business, because it positions you as an expert in your field. When you begin your journey as a public speaker (whether or not you are paid to speak), “high profile” speaking opportunities need not be the goal. What matters most is value and volume: speak as often as you can, to generate interest and build a following. Contact associations whose memberships may be interested in your topics, and offer to create seminars for them. Provide valuable content, and over time people will seek you out for your expertise.Whatever your career objectives, you should view your skill as an excellent speaker as one of the best strategies to reach your professional goals.