Last week our company emailed our database a marketing piece about the Dale Carnegie course that included a link to a free booklet that we offer called, “Speak More Effectively”. The response in people downloading this booklet was incredible. This is obviously an important topic for people in business today.
As our team followed up these inquiries we talked with people that say they need to build their confidence, when speaking in front of groups. As adults, we are interested in a quick and easy way to speak effectively. The only way we can achieve results quickly is to have the right attitude about achieving our goal and a firm foundation of principles to build upon.
Here are a few key principles:
1. Speak about something that: (a) You have earned the right to talk about through study and experience;(b) You are excited about; and(c) You are eager to tell your listeners about.
2. Make brief notes of the interesting things you want to mention.
3. Don't write out your talks.
4. Never, never, never memorize a talk word for word.
5. Fill your talk with illustrations and examples.
There are other principles that we bring forward in our programs but the biggest advantage that we offer is the chance to practice, receive expert coaching and of course more practice, which makes permanent.
Building confidence and being able to think on your feet when presenting can only be overcome by doing. Reading a book with principles is a foundation, but to truly learn a new skill and change our behaviour we must practice. And with expert coaching that learning cycle can be speed up considerably.
I talked to a person that has been a member of Toast Masters for year and a half and although she has gained confidence she feels that there is something missing. Toast Masters is a good program for those that want to improve their presentations skills as it shows that they have the right attitude. Without the basic principles and professional coaching it becomes very difficult for adults to learn new skills and create new habits.
