Many people have a fear of public speaking. The thought of getting up in front of even 10 people makes them cringe. By overcoming this fear you will find that not only can you speak in front of people, but that you will learn and acquire the skills required to be an expert in your field all while growing your business.
Forced learning curve.
A key part of being a successful public speaker is being knowledgeable of the topic you will be discussing. It is important to do your homework on the topic to be covered because the purpose of a public speaker after all is to be informational and factual. In order to do this you must do your part to be thoroughly knowledgeable on the points you will cover. Doing so will cause you to learn more, making you more of a knowledgeable expert in your field.
Shows leadership and responsibility.
Every aspect of public speaking helps to instill into others that you possess these qualities. You have been entrusted with the responsibility of captivating an audience, being punctual and being knowledgeable. By showing up on time, finishing on time (or early), and delivering a meaningful presentation, you show your audience that you have attained these leadership skills. These skills are necessary to run a presentation, be a leader in your field, and help to grow your business.
Sets you apart from others.
If you placed a group of people in a room and asked for volunteers to present on information in which they are not familiar, few hands would go up. Many people have a fear of public speaking, whether it’s a familiar or foreign subject. By being one of the few that elects to learn about the topic and be comfortable enough to speak about it gives you the ability to take a step forward from the rest of the crowd. Being able to do this will cause your name to stand out – making it easier for people to remember you.
Networking.
When you are speaking, you are not only presenting information but also presenting yourself. As the audience sees you are knowledgeable they will interact with you during and after the presentation. This gives you opportunity to further connect with those in your field and open up doors for business growth.
Promotes your viewpoints and ideas.
Lastly, when presenting information, you are able to present your viewpoints and ideas on the information. It can show your ability to process information and think outside of the box. These qualities are important to you and your business as you grow and change.
Step out of your comfort zone and speak on topics that pertain to your business and watch your business grow.
About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business growth.