Speak with Confidence & Competence

Speaking and presenting are critical and crucial skills in today’s competitive world.

We simply cannot ignore them if we are to advance and excel in our career, our profession, our business, to succeed in life.

“The way, the manner and the style we speak reflect our upbringing, our family background, our education and our character.”  ~  Richard Sng

Those around us will form an impression of us when we speak in public.  It can be in a room, in front of an audience, anywhere!  As long as we are out of our home, others will judge us and form an opinion by how we speak, what we say and how we say it.

Public speaking can be both formal and informal.

Many fear speaking formally for fear of being laughed at or being ridiculed.  We fear that what we say may not make sense to others.  We fear that we do not possess a certain degree in the command and competence of the spoken language.  We fear of making mistakes.  We simply lack the confidence and the courage to face an audience.  We are too self-conscious of how others judge us, the way we dress, the way we carry ourselves, and the way we speak.

We can be trained, if we are guided, mentored and coached, to be a confident and competent speaker and communicator.  We just need to plan, prepare and practise before we present.

CONQUERING THE FEAR & OVERCOMING THE NERVOUSNESS

We cannot conquer the fear of public speaking.  Neither can we overcome the nervousness when asked to speak or present before an audience.  These can be managed and minimised, including anxiety and stress. Learning from accomplished trainers, speakers and presenters helps us to improve.

IMPROMPTU SPEAKING

The ability to speak off the cuff, on our feet, with hardly any preparation, is a skill that can be acquired.

There are various tools, tactics and techniques that we can employ to handle any situation when asked to speak impromptu (extemporaneously).

By speaking correctly, clearly and creatively, we can impress upon our audiences.

Speak at every opportunity available, at social functions, at staff meetings and at various events.  Read extensively and expansively so that we have an idea of different issues and concerns around us, locally, regionally and internationally.