Speaking in front of an audience should not always be daunting. It should sometimes be an experience one would look forward to. Hopefully, in the end, it becomes an adventure worth having.
All throughout our lives, we face the challenge of standing before a crowd, may it be delivering speeches, giving guidance, or leading people. In these activities, the speaker's conviction and authority are put to the test as their listeners may or may not be influenced or empowered. Thus, public speaking itself is vital in assuming leadership roles.
Even though the importance of public speaking has been established, one cannot simply become a master overnight. Here are some nuggets of wisdom that I'd gladly share with those eager for self-improvement.
Enrich Yourself
In order for one to grow, one must acknowledge that he or she must exert additional effort in studying for enrichment. While the manner of delivering a speech is important in public speaking, having substantial content is as crucial. Broadening one's vocabulary is vital in crafting speeches since it would give speakers an additional arsenal for their pieces. These can be done by reading books, listening to podcasts, and watching movies with subtitles. In doing so, one would be introduced to an array of words used in different contexts. Since the word was introduced within a certain context, the speaker would have more confidence in using the said word. One can also adapt the writing or composition style of the media being consumed, especially if it is expressed in a way that corresponds to the idea that is needed by the speaker. In the end, being exposed to different materials would have an immense impact on one's growth.
Practice
Once you have been exposed to different vocabulary, especially those that were once unfamiliar, you should now practice using them in a sentence. Routinely using them in your papers for school or work will help integrate the word into your usual vocabulary. You can also imagine yourself being interviewed about something and using those words in the interview. This will help you gain confidence in pronouncing the words or structuring your sentence.
Join Organizations or Clubs meant for Public Speaking
While your individual efforts are crucial, it is also vital to have a healthy environment that would push you to greatness. You can do so by joining organizations or competitions that aim to improve one's speaking and communication skills. This can be manifested in joining organizations such as Toastmasters or Campus Journalism. Participating in competitions such as debating tournaments will also aid in this endeavor.
Be Patient
Lastly, do understand that greatness does not happen overnight. You must be patient as you go through this journey. In times of doubt, especially when you feel like you've been wallowing in stagnant water, you can take videos of yourself when speaking in public. When you're questioning your headway, watch those videos and assess whether you did or did not make any progress, and recalibrate your approach if necessary.
Public speaking is a skill that is vital for our success. While we all aim for greatness, it is also important to cherish our journey.
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